Mean-Level Change

Mean-Level Change

Reviewed by Faisal Zaidi

The average shift in a trait across age groups, a statement about populations and not about any one person.

What it is

Roberts, Walton and Viechtbauer combined 92 longitudinal samples. Social dominance, conscientiousness and emotional stability increased, most between roughly 20 and 40; social vitality and openness rose in adolescence and declined in old age; agreeableness changed only in old age.

In effect

In the article on the Big Five personality traits, it shows that the traits shift with age even though they are fairly stable.

What it does not say

It describes averages. Any one person may change more, less or in another direction.

Sources

  1. Roberts, B. W., Walton, K. E., & Viechtbauer, W. (2006). Patterns of mean-level change in personality traits across the life course: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychological Bulletin, 132(1), 1-25.