Can you change your personality?

Can you change your personality?

All In The Mind

Have you ever wanted to change your personality? Many people do - studies find we're keen to become more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious. But what does the evidence say about whether people do change? And can you tweak your personality deliberately?

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29:0321 May 2022

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Can You Really Change Your Personality?

Episode Overview

  • Personality traits are not as fixed as once thought.
  • Life events and environments can influence personality changes.
  • Therapy can lead to significant changes in neuroticism.
  • Job insecurity can negatively affect personality over time.
  • Incremental personality changes can lead to positive outcomes.
"If you really want to change your personality, you can. It's going to take some investment."

Ever wondered if you can change your personality? This episode of 'All In The Mind' tackles the intriguing question head-on, challenging the notion that personality traits are set in stone. With insights from psychology experts like Professor Brent Roberts and Dr Lina Wong, the episode explores how life events and environments might actually influence our personalities more than we think.

Erin, a substance abuse therapist from Dallas, shares her personal journey from introversion to extroversion, highlighting how university life helped her become more outgoing. The episode also delves into the science behind personality changes, discussing the 'Big Five' personality traits and how these traits can impact our life journey, from relationships to career success. Brent Roberts walks us through how therapy and even mobile apps can help tweak personality traits deliberately, offering hope for those seeking change.

Meanwhile, Dr Lina Wong's research reveals how job insecurity can negatively affect personality over time, urging listeners to consider proactive career behaviours as a buffer. So, can we really change who we are? This episode suggests that while a complete personality overhaul is unlikely, incremental changes are possible and can lead to positive life outcomes. As you ponder the possibility of tweaking your own personality, ask yourself: what small changes could make a big difference in your life?

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