While many may suspect that people's personalities are fixed in childhood, new research suggests that most people's personalities evolve throughout their lives.

How much does personality change over time?

Personality tends to get "better" over time. Psychologists call it "the maturity principle." People become more extraverted, emotionally stable, agreeable and conscientious as they grow older. Over the long haul, these changes are often pronounced.

Can personality change?

Many factors may lead to changes in personality. Genetics influences the development of a person's traits as they grow up, and personality researchers have argued that important life changes (such as getting married) and new social roles (such as a job) can alter personality traits as well.