Unveiling the Intricacies of Personality: A Comprehensive Review

"Personality" is a word used to describe traits that are consistent across time and place. For example, we expect a highly extroverted person to be outgoing at home, at work, and school. While personality is not a perfect predictor of behavior, it does give us a general idea of how someone is likely to think and act.

The authors of a new review article note that personality can change over long periods—for example, we tend to become more responsible and emotionally stable as we age. These changes generally unfold over many years and seem to reflect a natural developmental process.

The researchers set out to answer an important related question: Can treatment change personality over a short period? They focused on the "Big Five" personality traits of extraversion, emotional stability, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness.

Nature vs Nurture: The Role of Genetics and Environment in Personality Development

The age-old debate of nature versus nurture plays a significant role in understanding personality dynamics. While genetics certainly influence our personality traits to some extent, it is the interaction between genetics and the environment that truly shapes who we are. Studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to about 40-50% of individual differences in personality traits.

However, the environment we grow up in, including our family, friends, and cultural context, also plays a crucial role in shaping our personality. It is the interaction between our genetic predispositions and environmental influences that ultimately determines our personality development.

The Influence of Culture on Personality

Culture is a powerful force that shapes our beliefs, values, and behaviours. It also has a significant impact on our personality. Different cultures have distinct norms, expectations, and socialization practices that influence how individuals develop and express their personalities.

For example, in collectivist cultures, such as many Asian societies, there is an emphasis on interdependence, harmony, and conformity, whereas individualistic cultures, like those prevalent in Western societies, prioritize independence, self-expression, and personal achievement. Understanding cultural influences on personality can help us appreciate and respect diversity, as well as navigate cross-cultural interactions effectively.

The Impact of Early Experiences on Personality

Early experiences, particularly during childhood, play a critical role in shaping our personality. The relationships we form with our parents, caregivers, and peers significantly influence our social and emotional development, which, in turn, shapes our personality traits. For example, a child who grows up in a secure and nurturing environment is more likely to develop traits such as trust, empathy, and resilience.

On the other hand, negative experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can lead to the development of maladaptive personality traits and even personality disorders. Recognizing the impact of early experiences on personality can help us understand and heal from past wounds, as well as provide support and intervention for children at risk.

Personality Disorders and Their Underlying Dynamics

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behaviour, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from cultural expectations and cause distress or impairment. These disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder, are often rooted in early experiences, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors.

Understanding the underlying dynamics of personality disorders can help us recognize and empathize with individuals struggling with these conditions. It also highlights the importance of early intervention, therapy, and support in managing and improving the lives of those affected.

Treatment can indeed change personality. Average changes were in the small-to-medium range, suggesting they would be noticeable to the individual and people in his or her life. For example, a person who's easily upset may have an easier time handling stressors. The effects on personality were the same regardless of age or sex.

1. Personality changes endured over time. Many of the studies the authors reviewed included a follow-up period after the treatment ended, lasting on average about 6 months. Treatment-related changes held steady or even increased during the follow-up interval, even a year or more later.

2. Some personality traits were more responsive to treatment. The largest effect was on emotional stability (the reverse of neuroticism), and the smallest on openness to experience. Extraversion showed the second greatest change. The authors note that these differences could reflect traits that are more likely to change but could also reflect what the treatments were targeting. For example, treatment of anxiety or depression would focus on increasing emotional stability.

3. A wide range of interventions led to personality change. Although cognitive behavioral and supportive therapies have slightly larger effects, other types of treatment were also effective, with medication showing the smallest effect.

4. The amount of change depended on what the treatment was for. People being treated for anxiety and personality disorders (not surprisingly) changed the most, while those receiving treatment for eating and substance use disorders showed the least personality change.

I do suspect, based on my own experience as a therapist, that a lot of the personality change in treatment is a return to a person's level of functioning before their anxiety, depression, or other condition. People often come to treatment because they feel like they're not their best selves—no longer as patient, agreeable, relaxed, or outgoing. As treatment takes hold people often describe feeling "more like themselves" again. Family members will say they feel like they have their loved one back.

If you've thought about starting therapy because you feel disconnected from the person you used to be, consider this additional benefit of treatment: You'll probably feel not just better but more like the best version of you.