Age and Sex Differences in Temperament and Character Dimensions in a French Nonclinical Population

Abstract

Abstract. The authors examined age and sex trends on the seven dimensions and 25 facets assessed by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) collected between 2006 and 2014. This cross-sectional study sought to better understand personality differences according to age and sex cohorts in a French nonclinical community sample (1,181 participants). Our results show significant differences in age groups in Novelty Seeking, Reward Dependence, Harm Avoidance, and Self-Transcendence. Women scored higher than men in Harm Avoidance, Reward Dependence, and Cooperativeness. Men between 18 and 29 years old reported higher Novelty Seeking whereas older women had higher Harm Avoidance. Among all the dimensions of the TCI, only Self-Directedness presents a consistent Gender × Age interaction. Our study confirmed that there were personality-specific features in men and women. In addition, there were personality changes with age in both temperament and character dimensions. Our research highlighted the need to take into account both age and gender of subjects in the future analyses and interpretations of findings from the temperament and character inventories.