The present study used meta-analytic techniques (number of samples = 92) to determine the patterns of mean-level change in personality traits across the life course. Results showed that people increase in measures of social dominance (a facet of extraversion), conscientiousness, and emotional stability, especially in young adulthood (age 20 to…

Two dental classes were tested for personality change in the freshman year and after graduation. Significant test/retest increases were found on orderliness and conformity scales and decreases on the activity/energy scale. Sex differences occurred on activity/energy, emotional stability, and masculinity/femininity scales. In one class, females…

Administered translations of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory to adults in Germany, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, and South Korea. Found declines in neuroticism, extraversion and openness, and increases in agreeableness and conscientiousness age for both men and women. Results support hypothesis that age differences reflect universal maturational…