Navigation auf zora.uzh.ch

Search ZORA

ZORA (Zurich Open Repository and Archive)

The process and mechanisms of personality change

Jackson, Joshua J; Wright, Amanda J (2024). The process and mechanisms of personality change. Nature Reviews Psychology, 3(5):305-318.

Abstract

Although personality is relatively stable across the lifespan, there is also ample evidence that it is malleable. This potential for change is important because many individuals want to change aspects of their personality and because personality influences important life outcomes. In this Review, we examine the mechanisms responsible for intentional and naturally occurring changes in personality. We discuss four mechanisms — preconditions, triggers, reinforcers and integrators — that are theorized to produce effective change, as well as the forces that promote stability, thereby thwarting enduring changes. Although these mechanisms are common across theories of personality development, the empirical evidence is mixed and inconclusive. Personality change is most likely to occur gradually over long timescales but abrupt, transformative changes are possible when change is deliberately attempted or as a result of biologically mediated mechanisms. When change does occur, it is often modest in scale. Ultimately, it is difficult to cultivate a completely different personality, but small changes are possible.

Additional indexing

Item Type:Journal Article, refereed, further contribution
Communities & Collections:06 Faculty of Arts > Institute of Psychology
Dewey Decimal Classification:150 Psychology
Scopus Subject Areas:Social Sciences & Humanities > Psychology (miscellaneous)
Social Sciences & Humanities > Clinical Psychology
Social Sciences & Humanities > Developmental and Educational Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:Human behaviour, Personality, Psychology
Language:English
Date:15 March 2024
Deposited On:16 May 2024 12:55
Last Modified:31 Oct 2024 02:39
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:2731-0574
OA Status:Closed
Free access at:Publisher DOI. An embargo period may apply.
Publisher DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00295-z

Metadata Export

Statistics

Citations

Dimensions.ai Metrics
3 citations in Web of Science®
2 citations in Scopus®
Google Scholar™

Altmetrics

Downloads

6 downloads since deposited on 16 May 2024
6 downloads since 12 months
Detailed statistics

Authors, Affiliations, Collaborations

Similar Publications