In this article we review answers to 5 questions concerning the development
of personality across the life course: How early in the life course can we
identify characteristics unique to individuals that will show continuity o
ver time? When in the life course is personality fully developed? What life
course factors moderate continuity and change in personality? What are the
mechanisms that promote continuity in personality? And finally, what are t
he mechanisms that promote change in personality? Based on the answers to t
hese 5 questions we conclude (a) that there is modest continuity from child
hood to adulthood, (b) that personality traits do not become fixed at a cer
tain age in adulthood and retain the possibility of change even into old ag
e, and (c) that with time and age people become more adept at interacting w
ith their environment such that personality consistency increases with age
and is more common than change in midlife and old age.