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The kids are alright

Growth and stability in personality development from adolescence to adulthood

Bibliographic Data

ID6203706
AuthorsBrent W Roberts (0000-0002-3244-1164, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, corresponding author), Avshalom Caspi (0000-0003-0082-4600), Terrie E Moffitt (0000-0002-8589-6760, King's College London)
Year2001
Volume81
Issue4
Pages670-683
Publication date2001-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality and Social Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3514 • E-ISSN: 1939-1315
PublisherAmerican Psychological Association (APA) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1037//0022-3514.81.4.670
PMID11642353
OpenAlexW4251003210
LanguageEN
Citations received168
References cited61

This longitudinal study provides a comprehensive analysis of continuity and change in personality functioning from age 18 to age 26 in a birth cohort (N = 921) using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (A. Tellegen, 1982). Data were analyzed using 4 different methods: differential continuity, mean-level change, individual differences in change, and ipsative change. Convergent evidence pointing toward personality continuity, as opposed to change, was found. The personality changes that did take place from adolescence to adulthood reflected growth in the direction of greater maturity; many adolescents became more controlled and socially more confident and less angry and alienated. Consistent with this, greater initial levels of maturity were associated with less personality change over time. The results indicate that the transition from adolescence to young adulthood is marked by continuity of personality and growth toward greater maturity

Adolescent development · Adult Development · Big Five personality traits · Developmental psychology · Early adulthood · Longitudinal study · Maturity (psychological) · Personality · Personality development · Young adult · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Personality Disorders and Psychopathology · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Social Psychology · Youth Development and Social Support

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Unique citing works162
Citations per year7
Citation span2002 - 2026 (25)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 151
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