The phrase «people don’t change» sounds from all irons — especially if the iron is disappointed with the behavior of the owner (for example, he again presses the «Steam» button too hard).
But what evidence does this phrase have? Observations from life? These are not proofs — observations are subject to cognitive distortions, so they cannot be trusted.
We need scientific data — with normal mathematical statistics, sampling, and so on.
And there is such data. Two recent studies have shown that it is possible for a person to change, but desire alone is not enough. We also need to act (hello, Captain Obvious).
Here’s how the research went. Participants were asked to take a test to assess their current level. The Big Five personality traits (extroversion, neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, and «accommodation») were assessed.
Participants were then asked to choose what they wanted to change. And then the paths diverged. Someone did nothing, but just wanted to. Someone was thinking about ways to change. And someone just did things to develop this or that trait.
For example, to develop extraversion, you could say hello to different people or take on the leadership of some project (for example, organize a barbecue trip).
The result is natural. After passing the test again, people saw that they had moved in the desired directions. Who wanted to become more open — became such. Whoever wanted to be more conscientious, he became such.
The researchers emphasize that the most important thing is the number of successful actions in the right direction. For example, if a person greeted different people thirty times (a salesman, a waiter, a security guard at the checkpoint, and so on), and he was answered with a counter greeting twenty-eight times, a shift in the right direction occurs.
If he said hello twice, and received a return greeting only once, then the shift will be, rather, in the opposite direction.
This explains to us why people don’t change. People try to change, they fail, and they immediately give up trying.
But I have always said that change is relearning, and it is impossible to relearn quickly. You need at least twice as much time as it took you to learn.
Overall, the findings are optimistic and support the development mindset identified by Carol Dweck: if you know change is possible, act in the right direction, and have a generally positive experience, then change will happen.
It will happen for the simple reason that personality traits are largely skills. And, therefore, you can always relearn — create a new skill for yourself.
And I have everything, thank you for your attention.
Sources of
- «Volitional personality trait change: Can people choose to change their personality traits?» Hudson, Nathan W.,Fraley, R. Chris. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol 109(3), Sep 2015, 490-507
- Hudson, N. W., Briley, D. A., Chopik, W. J., & Derringer, J. (2018). «You have to follow through: Attaining behavioral change goals predicts volitional personality change». Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Advance online publication.