Why Certain Life Events Could Change Your Personality Traits

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You've likely heard the adage, “A leopard can’t change its spots,” suggesting that personality is set in stone early on.

But the notion that personality is fixed is a common misconception. Recall your younger self—perhaps you were more carefree, or maybe you've become more adventurous as you aged. And, indeed, recent research is beginning to uncover how personality traits are malleable and can evolve over time.

The Mechanics of Personality Change

Prior research has shown for nearly two decades that personality can change, particularly regarding the Five Factor Model (FFM) traits: conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, neuroticism, and extraversion.

The focus then shifted to understanding the reasons behind these changes. Are they due to intrinsic factors that alter over time, or are they sparked by specific life events?

Moreover, which experiences hold the most sway? Did your sense of responsibility (conscientiousness) increase because life’s demands required it, or would it have happened regardless? Did a vacation spur your adventurous side, or was it bound to emerge anyway?

Examining Life Events: Big and Small

A 2024 study by Dr. Keely Dugan and colleagues from the University of Illinois offers a fresh perspective by examining the impact of both major and minor life events on personality change.

The study involved 4,904 adults (average age 35) who completed personality tests and life event inventories over periods ranging from 3 to 40 months, with most doing so over a 2-year span.

The study distinguished itself by comparing the effects of 25 specific life events. Unlike previous research focusing solely on major events (like marriage), this study also considered minor events (like “my partner did something special for me”). These events were categorized into school/work, romantic relationships, family, health, relocation, and leisure time.

Participants also rated their perception of each event’s positivity/negativity and stressfulness. Additionally, the study considered “anticipation effects,” recognizing that personality can change in preparation for a life event.

The study then mapped out personality trait changes over time in response to both major and minor events. They measured both absolute changes in personality traits and relative changes over time, assessing the impact of each of the 25 events.

The study concluded that most single life events had little effect on personality. However, significant impacts were observed for major events like marriage, divorce, engagement, childbirth, retirement, and demotion.

For minor, recurrent events, the researchers found that their cumulative effects could significantly alter personality traits, particularly neuroticism. These small, frequent experiences, like repeated acts of kindness from a partner, could accumulate and have a substantial impact on personality.

Implications for Personal Development

Understanding that personality can change offers valuable insights for personal growth and relationships. Major life events do influence personality, but the small, everyday experiences also play a critical role. Positive gestures from a partner, for instance, can enhance well-being and personality over time.

Recognizing the importance of subjective perceptions and anticipation can further help in navigating life’s challenges. Viewing a potentially stressful event positively can mitigate its negative impact on well-being and personality. Conversely, anticipating a positive event can amplify its beneficial effects.

Reflecting on changes in traits like conscientiousness, it becomes clear that it’s not just significant milestones that influence personality but also the daily experiences that accompany these changes. Your unique experiences shape who you are, providing insights into how you might continue to evolve.

In conclusion, personality growth is an ongoing process influenced by life’s varied experiences. You’re not confined to the personality traits you were born with or developed early in life. Instead, you have the capacity to grow and adapt, embracing the changes life brings.