This review article seeks to take stock of personality psychology by sketching major accomplishments from recent past regarding (a) topics studied (cognitive abilities, structural models of basic tendencies, dynamics and processes, personality changes, biology, social relationships, culture, health/well-being, pathology/disorders), (b) methodologies (new technologies, large-scale surveys), and (d) meta-scientific aspects (Open Science, syntheses, causality, nomothetics-idiographics). Recent developments in the field and prospects are put into context regarding these accomplishments via reviews of the current literature. Our survey of the field suggests that there is great richness of approaches and methods, but also that more coordination, integration, and conceptual-terminological consistency is needed.

Finding a job that fits is widely recognized as important for personal fulfillment and professional success. Despite the long history of person-environment fit research, surprisingly little is known about person-job fit in terms of basic personality traits. This study examined three basic tenets of fit theory regarding personality-job fit: Fit (1) is pleasurable, (2) regulated by individuals, and (3) changes over time. We hypothesized that personality-job fit would be associated with higher subjective well-being (RQ1), predict less occupational change (RQ2), and vary across the professional lifespan (RQ3). Fit was conceptualized as ‘broad congruence’ between individuals’ Big Five trait levels and expert-rated trait demands of their occupations. We used nationally representative data from German jobholders (N = 18,712-30,883). Multilevel polynomial regression and response surface analysis showed no significant congruence effects but some interactions: More extraverted and open individuals felt better and were less likely to leave their jobs when these traits were strongly demanded by their work, though these outcomes were not optimized at exact personality-job fit. Additionally, personality-job fit improved over time, showing a linear increase across the lifespan. These findings emphasize studying fit theories in detail and considering individuals’ personalities, such as being communicative or original, in career choice.

Objective This study investigated whether the associations of own and partner intra- and extradyadic stress with relationship satisfaction vary based on both partners' Big Five personality traits among parents.Background Previous research has shown that relationship satisfaction during parenthood often decreases, and increased stress is linked to lower relationship satisfaction; yet these associations differ widely between individuals. Personality traits may explain such individual differences. However, research is scarce on how they interact with intra- and extradyadic stress, especially during critical periods such as parenthood, and how these dynamics affect both parents' relationship satisfaction.Method Using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, this study examined prospective associations between own and partner intra- and extradyadic stress and relationship satisfaction and whether the Big Five personality traits moderate these associations. Data were drawn from the German cohort study DREAM and included 1961 mothers and 1485 fathers, corresponding to 2021 couples in total, with data from both partners available for 1455 couples.Results Higher levels of own and partner intradyadic stress were associated with lower own relationship satisfaction. The negative association between own intradyadic stress and own relationship satisfaction was stronger among more conscientious parents and weaker among parents with more open partners. Likewise, partner intradyadic stress was less strongly associated with lower own relationship satisfaction among more open parents. In contrast, partner extradyadic stress predicted higher own relationship satisfaction only among open parents.Conclusion Our results highlight the need to consider both partners' personalities in parenting stress management interventions as well as the specific contextual factors of stress parents face.

ABSTRACT Personality change interventions (PCIs) are structured approaches that help people intentionally modify aspects of their personality in line with self‐endorsed goals. This article synthesizes theoretical and empirical advances in volitional personality change and sets a research agenda for PCIs. We review core models of self‐regulated personality change, summarize evidence for PCI effectiveness and putative mechanisms, and delineate methodological, ethical, and societal challenges. Priorities for future research include active‐control randomized trials, multi‐method outcome assessment (self, informant, behavioral), and long‐term follow‐ups. We argue for personalized, adaptive approaches and for broadening targets from trait levels to skills and behavioral flexibility. We also map the ethical landscape (e.g., potential harm, pressure to conform, possible exacerbation of social disparities), while outlining corresponding safeguards. The result is a framework that clarifies what can change, for whom, under which conditions, and with what downstream consequences. When designed responsibly, PCIs may foster favorable individual and collective outcomes, including adaptive functioning, well‐being, and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that work-privacy conflict (WPC) can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, interpersonal relationships, and family functioning. However, these detrimental effects vary widely between individuals. At the same time, there is evidence that the Big Five personality traits interact with how people cope with stress and conflict, so they may partly explain these differences. Thus, this study aims to examine the moderating role of the Big Five personality traits in the association between WPC and relationship satisfaction in mothers and fathers. Methods Data from 686 mothers and 702 fathers were derived from a longitudinal cohort study from Eastern Germany. Established questionnaires were used to measure personality at eight weeks, WPC at 14 months, and relationship satisfaction at two years after childbirth. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed including relevant confounding variables. Results WPC alone did not predict maternal relationship satisfaction, whereas it significantly interacted with neuroticism. Mothers with average and high neuroticism levels showed consistently low relationship satisfaction, irrespective of their perceived WPC. Mothers with low neuroticism levels had low relationship satisfaction when their WPC was high. For fathers, WPC alone significantly negatively predicted relationship satisfaction, yet there was no significant interaction effect with personality. Conclusions The present findings indicate a complex interplay between WPC, neuroticism, and relationship satisfaction in mothers, including that average or high neuroticism scores alone are a potential risk factor for relationship satisfaction. Additionally, our results suggest that WPC may have a detrimental effect on relationship satisfaction in fathers, regardless of their personality traits. Based on our results we recommend developing and expanding measures related to work-family benefits to ensure balance between both domains. We also suggest prevention and intervention in the field of positive psychology.

Background: Anhedonia is a persistent symptom of mental health problems and often emerges early in life. Chronic stress has been shown to predict anhedonia over time, and identifying modifiable processes in this pathway can inform early intervention efforts. Negative cognitive style has been preliminarily suggested to contribute to anhedonia, though their relationship has seldom been tested directly. We examined whether negative cognitive style (global attributions, stable attributions, negative consequentiality, and self-worth implications) mediated the pathway from chronic stress (interpersonal and non-interpersonal) to anhedonia. Methods: We analysed longitudinal data from the Youth Emotion Project of 627 participants, aged 15–17 years at baseline, across 10 annual waves. We used multilevel structural equation modelling to estimate lagged direct and indirect effects at within- and between-person levels. Analyses were repeated adjusting cognitive style for baseline neuroticism. Results: We observed some evidence of between-person mediation. Those reporting greater interpersonal stress compared to others reported a more negative cognitive style, though effects attenuated after adjusting for neuroticism. Several cognitive style components (except global attributions and neuroticism-adjusted self-worth implications) predicted higher anhedonia at the between-person level, whereas stable attributions showed an inverse association. Those reporting greater non-interpersonal stress compared to others reported fewer stable attributions and higher neuroticism-adjusted global attributions. On the within-person level, only higher non-interpersonal stress and stable attributions predicted increases in anhedonia, with no evidence of mediation. Conclusions: Certain aspects of negative cognitive style may confer risk for developing anhedonia, but specificity beyond neuroticism is unclear. Findings underscore the importance of leveraging longitudinal data to disaggregate within- and between-person effects. Future research should incorporate diverse samples, consider measurement windows, and use ecological momentary assessment.

Personality interventions are a field of growing interest, as many people want to change aspects of their personality and as such personality changes may positively impact important life outcomes. Although initial research shows that personality interventions can be successful in eliciting lasting trait changes, the strategies, timing, and context of effective personality interventions remain unclear. A careful examination of how these characteristics predict intervention effectiveness would advance theoretical models of volitional personality change. We used intensive longitudinal data from the Changing How I Live Life (CHILL) Study, a smartphone intervention study designed to decrease participants’ neuroticism that combines experience sampling methods and mobile sensing (N = 399; nobs = 39,878; Mage = 25.48 years; 85% female; 47% living in Switzerland). Using these data, we examined the effects of different intervention strategies and their timing and situational context on the proximal intervention outcomes of intervention adherence, satisfaction, and changes in momentary positive affect. Intervention strategies that targeted the state level of neuroticism had more positive effects on people’s momentary affect than habit-level strategies, providing novel insights into the mechanisms of successful personality change. Furthermore, effects differed depending on the timing and situational context of intervention prompts, highlighting possibilities of optimizing the timing of personality interventions. For example, people were more likely to adhere to intervention prompts in quieter environments or when at home. Together, these findings inform theoretical models of personality trait change and can be used to guide the development of effective and refined personality interventions.

Self-help products such as books and apps are booming, often promising personal growth and well-being gains. Despite their popularity, little research has examined the psychological predictors and consequences of self-help product use. Here, we tested predictors of self-help product use and their links with changes in personality traits, life satisfaction, and self-esteem over 2 years in a representative Swiss sample (N = 2,391; 5 waves). A majority reported ever using or purchasing self-help products. Usage was more likely among women, more educated and younger adults, those higher in openness, lower in emotional stability and self-esteem, and those desiring to change their personality (in bivariate associations). Among users, higher cognitive ability and education were associated with spending less time on self-help products. However, people did not differ in personality and well-being trajectories depending on self-help product use and usage intensity, raising questions about the effectiveness of such products for these outcomes.

Many people want to change their personality in some way, and personality traits have been found to predict various important aspects of life, including well-being, health, relationship quality, and work success. As a result, volitional personality interventions designed to elicit personality-trait change in desired directions have recently gained momentum in research and public discourse. Although the initial evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions is promising, concerns regarding their benefits, risks, and societal implications remain underexplored. In this review, we discuss 10 concerns regarding methodological, ethical, and practical limitations of volitional personality-change interventions. Drawing on research across different areas of psychology, we provide a balanced discussion of each concern and outline directions for future research and practical applications of these interventions. Volitional personality-change interventions have the potential to improve people's lives and increase satisfaction with the self. However, realizing this potential requires sustained research effort, thoughtful study design, and careful implementation of these interventions to maximize benefits and mitigate concerns.

Some women struggle with mental health problems such as postpartum depression (PPD) or postpartum anxiety disorder (PAD) after giving birth. This can have a negative impact on the new mother, the infant, and the whole family. However, many women experiencing PPD and/or PAD go unrecognized and untreated. Since appropriate support is essential, efforts should be made to facilitate women’s help-seeking behavior. The purpose of this study was to improve the mental health of postpartum women by understanding their specific support preferences. To this end, the preferences for counseling and treatment services, as well as the service delivery mode among women with PPD, PAD, comorbid PPD and PAD, and women with neither PPD nor PAD were examined. In the cross-sectional study INVITE, mothers (n = 2,031) were interviewed via telephone about three to four months after birth. PPD was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), PAD was assessed using the anxiety scale of the Symptom-Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and preferences for services and delivery modes were assessed using self-generated questionnaires. Analyses of covariance were performed to examine differences between the symptom groups. All women preferred the support of (family) midwives and family, friends, or colleagues and to talk to someone in person. Analysis of covariance showed that, overall, women with PPD preferred all services less than women with neither PPD nor PAD. Furthermore, women with PPD preferred psychotherapeutic services (e.g., inpatient clinic and outpatient clinic/treatment) less, and women with comorbid PPD and PAD preferred professional and personal confidants (e.g., midwife and women in the same situation) less than all other women. Women did not differ in their preferences for service delivery mode. This study provides unique insight into postpartum women’s preferences for various services and delivery modes. Results showed that women differ in their preferences for services depending on their symptoms. This should be considered when making referrals, and postpartum support should be better tailored to mothers’ wishes and needs to improve help-seeking behavior and ultimately postpartum mental health.

Personality may influence whether emerging adults do or do not engage in sex work. In turn, sex work may affect personality development during this sensitive developmental time frame. This systematic review synthesizes literature on personality and sex work in emerging adults. Seven of the ten identified studies investigated personality differences between individuals engaging vs. not engaging in sex work, four examined personality characteristics of sex workers only. Results suggest lower agreeableness, self-efficacy, and self-esteem and higher impulsivity, trait aggression, and antisocial traits among sex workers. The scant literature highlights the need for additional research to disentangle selection and socialization effects and examine within-person personality changes due to different types of sex work to inform targeted supportive interventions. This systematic review was pre-registered in the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews (2023, October 10, registration number CRD42023402800).

Abstract Background Panic disorder (PD) is highly prevalent during the peripartum period. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize evidence on risk factors and course patterns of peripartum PD as well as maternal, infant or dyadic outcomes during the first three years after delivery. Methods A literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: (1) a diagnosis of PD or panic attacks during pregnancy, (2) risk factors and course as well as maternal, infant or dyadic outcomes measured in pregnancy and/or up to 3 years postpartum (3) peer-reviewed articles in English or German published between 1980 and April 2024. After screening of n = 2,740 records, n = 75 records based on n = 64 projects were eligible for this systematic review. Results Overall, n = 47 studies investigated the course of PD during the peripartum period, n = 23 studies examined the associations of PD and obstetric, neonatal or infant outcomes, and n = 5 studies focused on the associations of PD and characteristics of the mother-infant dyad. We found (1) no common trajectory, but heterogeneous courses of maternal PD in the peripartum period, (2) associations of maternal PD with birth complications and subsequent postpartum depression, and (3) evidence for associations of PD with infant and dyadic outcomes. Limitations Diverse outcome measures in recent original publications did not allow for a meta-analytic approach. Conclusion Heterogenous courses and outcomes of peripartum PD require comprehensive monitoring of affected mothers and their infants. There is a need for further longitudinal investigations into familial transmission of anxiety disorders.

Although surveys suggest that 5–15% of parents report regret about having children, parental regret remains a taboo topic and has received surprisingly little scientific attention. Research from related fields suggests that adverse contextual factors, child-related difficulties, or psychological strain may increase the likelihood of regret. However, most existing studies rely on small or selective samples. Consequently, little is known about which factors are most strongly associated with parental regret in the general population. This study is among the first to examine a broad range of contextual, child-related, and psychosocial predictors of parental regret in a large, representative sample from Germany. We used data from the pairfam study, a large nationally representative panel survey in Germany. In 2019/20, participants were asked whether they regretted becoming parents. Using logistic regression, we examined predictors of parental regret across seven clusters: (1) sociodemographic factors, (2) stressful life events, (3) interpersonal factors, (4) pregnancy and childbirth experiences, (5) child-related factors, (6) factors related to parental role experiences, and (7) psychosocial factors and personality traits. Additionally, we tested whether associations differed by parental sex, child age, and living arrangements. In line with prior findings from other countries, 11% of parents reported parental regret. Parental regret was primarily associated with contextual factors, such as lower education, lower partner support, and previous abortion experiences; with child-related factors, such as a higher age and number of children; and with individual factors, such as higher depressiveness and lower parental self-efficacy. Our findings underscore the multifactorial nature of parental regret and point to several levers for prevention and support. Strengthening structural resources for socioeconomically disadvantaged families, enhancing couple relationship quality, expanding access to comprehensive family planning counseling, and promoting parental efficacy and competencies may help reduce the likelihood and potentially adverse impact of parental regret.

Confinement is a major life event with far-reaching consequences for an individual, which may also influence personality change, but data on this topic are fragmented across disciplines. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence on personality change in confined individuals. A systematic literature search covering publications up to March 2024 was conducted using EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed original articles examining personality changes associated with any form of confinement were included. They examined a wide range of personality traits, which we categorized within the Big Five. Thirteen observational studies focused on personality change during confinement irrespective of specific interventions. They most consistently reported increases in emotional stability and conscientiousness, while findings for agreeableness, extraversion, and openness were mixed or limited. Twenty-seven intervention studies examined change in the context of interventions in confinement. They mostly found increases in emotional stability and agreeableness, whereas openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness yielded mixed results or were rarely targeted, especially in forensic settings. Our findings suggest that confinement, especially when combined with targeted interventions, may potentially promote personality changes. However, highly heterogeneous designs, methods, and trait definitions, together with other limitations, reduced the interpretability and generalizability of the findings.

Heavy substance use (SU) and substance use disorders (SUD) have complex etiologies and often severe consequences. Certain personality traits have been associated with an increased risk for SU(D), but far less is known about personality changes related to SU(D). This review aims to synthesize the existing literature on this research question. A systematic literature search was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 in PubMed, EbscoHost, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed original papers on SU(D)-related personality changes were included. Of 55 included studies, 38 were observational population-based studies and 17 were intervention studies. Overall, personality and SU measures, samples, study designs, and statistical approaches were highly heterogenous. In observational studies, higher SU was most consistently related to increases in impulsivity-related traits and (less so) neuroticism, while interventions in the context of SU(D) were mostly associated with increases in conscientiousness and self-efficacy and lasting decreases in neuroticism. Findings for traits related to extraversion, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness were mixed and depended on SU measure and age. Studies on bidirectional associations suggest that personality and SU(D) both influence each other over time. Due to their strong association with SU(D), impulsivity-related traits may be important target points for interventions. Future work may investigate the mechanisms underlying personality changes related to SU(D), distinguishing substance-specific effects from general SU(D)-related processes like withdrawal, craving, and loss of control. Furthermore, more research is needed to examine whether SU(D)-related personality changes vary by developmental stage and clinical features (e.g. initial use, onset, remission, and relapse).

BackgroundThis study examined the cognitive, behavioral, and affective mechanisms underlying the efficacy of Applied Relaxation (AR) in reducing psychopathological symptoms. AR is a cognitive-behavioral technique that allows for rapid relaxation at the first sign of stress or tension in daily life.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted in 277 adults (18-55 years) with elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress but without a 12-month DSM-5 mental disorder at study entry. Participants were randomized to an intervention group receiving AR training (10 weeks, n=139) and an assessment-only control group (n=138). Mental health outcomes (depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms) and potential cognitive (self-efficacy, perceived control), behavioral (coping behaviors) and affective (positive and negative affect) mediators of the intervention efficacy were assessed at baseline and post-assessment in both groups.ResultsStructural equation models indicated that baseline to post reductions in psychopathological symptoms due to AR partially passed through less avoidance-oriented and less other dysfunctional coping (proportion of total effect mediated; ratio of indirect to total effect: resignation: 55.0%, rumination: 27.9%, escape: 27.4%, aggression: 21.3%), less negative affect (46.3%), more positive affect (41.8%), lower external control beliefs (14.5%), and higher self-efficacy (13.3%).ConclusionsOur results suggest that improvements in cognitive, behavioral, and affective mediator variables partially explain the intervention efficacy of AR in improving mental health.Trial registration and data statementThe study protocol has been pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03311529). The study protocol, minimum dataset, and analysis codes are available at OpARA - Open Access Repository and Archive. Supplementary materials (e.g., the course manual and additional training materials) are available on request from the last author (katja.beesdo-baum@tu-dresden.de).

Objectives: Previous research has shown that living alone and being quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with poorer mental health and well-being. The aim of this study was to examine whether self-compassion buffered these adverse effects. Methods: 435 German adults were surveyed in three waves over six weeks. In all three waves, participants were asked whether they lived alone and whether they were quarantined. Self-compassion, mental health, and well-being were also assessed in all three waves. Results: In linear structural equation models adjusted for age, gender, and the respective outcome measure at T1, higher self-compassion at T2 was associated with better mental health and well-being at T3. However, there was no evidence that living alone and quarantine at T1 were associated with mental health and well-being at T3, or that self-compassion moderated these effects. Conclusions: Our study spanned six weeks, and one possible explanation for our nonsignificant findings is that the mental health effects of living alone, quarantine, and self-compassion are rather short-lived. In addition, individuals living alone and individuals in quarantine may not necessarily have been socially isolated or felt lonely, which may explain why no associations with mental health were found.