Personality change

Personality change refers to the different forms of change in various aspects of personality. An individual's personality may stay somewhat consistent throughout their life, though there is evidence that an individual's personality can change throughout their lifetime.

Social interactions, culture of origin, life stage, lived experience, and significant events (especially traumatic events) can all alter a person's external perceptions and self-concept to a degree which could facilitate a change in personality.

There is an ongoing debate as to what encompasses personality and why personality changes. The development of personality is often dependent on the stage of life a person is in. Most development occurs in the earlier stages of life and becomes more stable as one grows into adulthood.

While still uncertain, research suggests that genetics play a role in the change and stability of certain traits in a personality. They have also discovered that environmental sources affect personality too. The debate over nature versus nurture has been pervasive the field of psychology since its beginning. Culture is also a large factor in personality trait differences as well.