According to research, how do core personality traits change throughout adulthood?

Core personality traits are generally understood to remain stable over the course of adulthood, according to extensive psychological research. This stability is evident in traits such as extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. While individuals can experience fluctuations in certain behaviors or situational responses, the fundamental traits themselves tend to show consistency as people navigate different life stages, such as entering the workforce, forming relationships, or facing significant life events.

This stability may be influenced by a variety of factors, including biological predispositions and life experiences, which can modify how traits are expressed rather than change the underlying traits themselves. For instance, a person may become more conscientious as they take on greater responsibilities, but their core conscientiousness trait remains intact.

The other choices suggest either a misconception of personality development or overly rigid interpretations of how traits function over a lifetime. Understanding that while personality traits can be shaped and influenced by experiences, their core essence tends to remain stable is crucial for comprehending human behavior and personality psychology.