The kids are alright: Growth and stability in personality development fromadolescence to adulthood

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 continu ity, mean-level change, individual differences in change, and ipsative chan ge. Convergent evidence pointing toward personality continuity, as opposed to change, was found. The personality changes that did take place from adol escence to adulthood reflected growth in the direction of greater maturity; many adolescents became more controlled and socially more confident and le ss angry and alienated. Consistent with this, greater initial levels of mat urity were associated with less personality change over time. The results i ndicate that the transition from adolescence to young adulthood is marked b y continuity of personality and growth toward greater maturity.