A new review published in Nature Reviews Psychology offers guidance for individuals looking to make changes to their personalities. While our personalities tend to remain stable over time, they are also somewhat malleable. The review identifies four elements that support personality change: pre-conditions, triggers, reinforcers, and integrators. These mechanisms can help individuals establish new personality habits that may eventually become automatic.
Psychologist Dr. Carl Nassar emphasizes the importance of first identifying the aspects of one’s personality that they would like to change before implementing these mechanisms. He also recommends seeking support from others who know you well, as they can offer helpful insights and motivation as you work towards making changes. The goal is to minimize mechanisms that reinforce personality stability and introduce conditions that align with the desired personality traits.
The review suggests that adopting the mindset of “fake it till you make it” can help individuals navigate the discomfort of acting in new ways. By practicing the desired personality traits, experiencing reinforcement, moving towards integration, and eventually embodying a new version of oneself, individuals can work towards meaningful personality change. This approach is akin to mindfulness practice, where individuals focus on where they want to go rather than criticizing themselves for falling short.
Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of autonomous motivation in pursuing personality changes. External pressures to change are unlikely to lead to lasting transformations, while internally motivated changes are associated with progress and improved well-being over time. Significant life events can sometimes trigger positive personality changes, but without adequate support, these changes may fade over time. To maintain these changes, individuals should identify the factors that supported the initial transformation and integrate the positive changes into their self-identity.
Dr. Nassar underscores the role of reinforcers in supporting personality change following a life event. Surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and environments can help sustain the positive changes that occurred in response to significant events. By intentionally introducing preconditions, triggers, reinforcers, and integrators, individuals can create an environment that fosters continued growth and development. Ultimately, making modest changes to one’s personality is possible, and the review provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to embark on this transformative journey.
