Personality changes throughout life can impact mental health, particularly depression and anxiety.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that personality shifts in traits like neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness play a significant role in predicting these mental health conditions.
Researchers discovered that higher neuroticism increases the likelihood of depression and anxiety over time [1]. This trait involves frequent negative emotions like anxiety, fear and worry, making individuals more vulnerable to mental health challenges.
Conversely, people who score higher in extraversion and conscientiousness tend to have lower risks of developing these conditions.
Extraversion, linked to sociability, optimism and energy, protects against mental health issues. Similarly, conscientiousness, marked by goal-oriented behaviors, organization and self-discipline, helps reduce the chances of depression and anxiety.
The study highlights that individuals whose conscientiousness diminishes over time may face a higher risk of mental health challenges.
Personality stability also plays a part in mental well-being. Individuals whose personalities remain consistent in traits like extraversion or conscientiousness are less likely to experience depression and anxiety [2].
On the other hand, fluctuating personality traits, significantly if neuroticism rises, signal an increased risk for these conditions. Per the study, “even when adding multiple factors into a machine learning model, personality remained a strong predictor of depression.”
Understanding how personality traits evolve can offer a valuable perspective for mental health interventions. By identifying those at risk based on their personality changes, mental health professionals can intervene earlier, potentially reducing the severity or onset of depression and anxiety.
[1] Journal of Affective Disorders. Personality traits as predictors of depression across the lifespan
[2] PsyPost. Can your personality predict depression across your lifespan?
[3] Behaviour Research and Therapy. Effects of a single-session intervention teaching that personality can change
