Can you change your personality? Psychology research says yes, by tweaking what you think and do

The concept of a personality may sound like it’s set in stone. But personality is really much more flexible − and you can take steps to craft your characteristic thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Associate Professor of Psychology & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, University of Kentucky • conversation
Sept. 25, 2024 ~8 min

‘Difficult’ children are only slightly more likely to have insecure attachments with parents

The quality of a child’s attachments to caregivers influences healthy development. And most kids with difficult temperaments do form secure attachments with their parents.

Carlo Schuengel, Professor of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam • conversation
Sept. 11, 2024 ~6 min


Why we get less narcissistic with age

People develop more mature personality features over time, including becoming more emotionally stable.

Ava Green, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, City, University of London • conversation
Aug. 5, 2024 ~6 min

Why do people have different tastes in music? A music education expert explains why some songs are universally liked, while others aren't

Lots of factors can influence your music taste, from your age and where you’re from to the personality traits you have.

Jane Kuehne, Associate Professor of Music Education, Auburn University • conversation
Jan. 22, 2024 ~8 min

How we uncovered the shared personality profile of violent extremists

People who lack modesty and have few negative emotions are more likely to back violent actions for a cause.

Joanna Lindström, PhD Researcher in Psychology, Stockholm University • conversation
Sept. 11, 2023 ~7 min

Here's what to do when you encounter people with 'dark personality traits' at work

Narcissists, psychopaths and Machiavellians, oh my. These antagonistic personality types can make life hard for the people around them. Here are five tips for how to deal with them at work.

Cinthia Beccacece Satornino, Research Director at the UNH Sales Center and Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of New Hampshire • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 ~10 min

Birds' feeding habits are affected by their personality and self-control – new research

We discovered that the ability to be flexible and change behaviour in certain circumstances is just as important for birds as people.

Jenny Coomes, PhD Candidate, Biological Sciences, University College Cork • conversation
Nov. 16, 2021 ~7 min

From Tarantino to Squid Game: why do so many people enjoy violence?

We may not be attracted to movie violence as much as people think.

Simon McCarthy-Jones, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Trinity College Dublin • conversation
Oct. 27, 2021 ~9 min


Narcissists: there's more than one type – and our research reveals what makes each tick

Some narcissists want to feel included in by the group whereas others don’t really care.

Nikhila Mahadevan, Lecturer in Psychology, University of Essex • conversation
Aug. 5, 2021 ~6 min

Lead exposure during childhood may influence adult personality, and not for the better

Early exposure to lead pollution may lead to less mature personality traits as an adult.

Ted Schwaba, Postdoctoral Researcher in Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts • conversation
July 29, 2021 ~5 min

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