Personality traits observed in
childhood are a strong predictor of adult behavior according to research from
the the University of California, Riverside, the Oregon Research Institute and
University of Oregon to be published in Social Psychological and Personality
Science.
The researchers drew on data from a
study of approximately 2400 ethnically diverse elementary school students in
Hawaii in the 1960s, comparing personality ratings by teachers at the time with
videotaped interviews of 144 of those individuals forty years later.
Lead author and doctoral candidate
Christopher S. Nave explained:
"We remain recognisably the
same person. This speaks to the importance of understanding personality because
it does follow us wherever we go across time and contexts."
The researchers examined four
personality attributes:
- verbally fluent
- adaptable
- impulsive
- self-minimising
Students who had been identified as
verbally fluent (defined as unrestrained talkativeness) tended in middle age to
be interested in intellectual matters, speak fluently, try to control the
situation, and demonstrate a high degree of intelligence. Those who had been
rated low tended to seek advice, give up when faced with challenges, and
exhibit 'an awkward interpersonal style'.
Students who had been rated as
highly adaptable (defined as coping easily and successfully with new
situations) tended, in adulthood, to behave cheerfully, speak fluently and show
interest in intellectual matters. Those who had been rated low tended to say
negative things about themselves, seek advice and exhibit an awkward
interpersonal style.
Students who had been rated as
impulsive tended, as adults, to speak loudly, display a wide range of interests
and be talkative.
Those who had been rated low tended
to demonstrate fear or timidity, expressing insecurity and maintaining a
distance from others.
Students who had been rated as
having a tendency to self-minimise (defined as humble, minimising their own
importance or never showing off ) were likely to express guilt, seek
reassurance, say negative things about themselves and express insecurity as
adults. Those ranked low tended to speak loudly, show interest in intellectual
matters and exhibit condescending behavior.
Christopher S. Nave commented:
"We think that personality
resides within us. It’s a part of us, a part of our biology. Life events still
influence our behaviors, yet we must acknowledge the power of personality in
understanding future behavior as well."
Reference:
http://www.psyarticles.com/development/childhood-personality.htm
Ellin Virliana (10410118)
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