Age and personality in the British population between 16 and 64 years

Responses to five established personality scales (CPI, OPQ CM5.2, OPQ32n, F IRO-B and MBTI) were obtained from large samples of the British population between 16 and 64 years of age. Significant age differences were present Fo r about half the scales, and non-linear patterns occurred in 10% of cases. Older people were found to be, for instance, more conscientious, traditiona l and careful in interaction with others, and less sociable, outgoing, chan ge orientated and career motivated. No age differences were present for tra its such as social confidence, assertiveness, independence, worrying and cr itical. Contrary to findings about fluid intelligence, personality variatio n around the mean at older ages was nor greater than at younger ages.