Personality Development in Adulthood and Old Age

Abstract

Personality development in adulthood and old age has been the focus of considerable research over the last several decades, amassing a body of literature that is richly diverse in theoretical and methodological approaches. In this chapter we define and examine the nature of personality in adulthood and old age from diverse perspectives, and consider issues of stability, continuity, and change. We focus on the impact of individual differences in personality on health and well-being in multiple domains (e.g., cognitive functioning) throughout the life span and discuss the impact of variations in personality due to such factors as gender and culture, as well as the antecedents of personality change. We review theoretical approaches and present current major perspectives in the field, including traits, life-span developmental, contextual the self, and phenomenological. Some of the major findings regarding subjective personality change and personality, as predictors of later life outcomes, are discussed. We also examine specific aspects of the self-construct, such as identity, self-efficacy and control, well-being, and emotion regulation. Finally, we summarize the current state of the adult personality literature, especially the emerging focus on identifying mechanisms. Keywords: personality; life-span development; personality traits; identity; self; sense of control