Over the past decades, countless studies have been conducted on a relatively new topic that did not receive sufficient attention from science at its inception - happiness. In particular, some studies examined the effect of our character on the level of happiness, with many of them relying on the five-factor model - the five great traits, which are the traits that have been found to have a significant impact on the personality and behavior of each person. Still, all the results reached by the researchers testified to the current state of the person, and it was not tested whether those who scored high in certain indices that lead to happiness indeed remain happy throughout their lives. Now that data is here, and the researchers know which types of people will always be happier than others.
The effect of personality on the level of happiness throughout life
In a study conducted in 2020 in Australia and many others before it, it was found that people with certain character traits (according to the Big Five traits model) are often happier than others. These features are:
Dr. Manon van Spigen, a senior lecturer at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, and one of the authors of a recent study, emphasizing the significance of certain traits for maintaining satisfaction in both social and work life throughout adulthood. The study investigates whether individuals possessing qualities such as extroversion, conscientiousness, open-mindedness, pleasantness, and emotional stability continue to experience high levels of happiness even in old age. An extroverted person is more likely to engage in society, take risks, be active, and be assertive, while a conscientious person is responsible, practical, goal-driven, and diligent. Open-minded individuals are curious and willing to explore new experiences, and pleasant people are kind, sympathetic, cooperative, and considerate. Finally, emotionally stable individuals remain calm, confident, and level-headed in stressful situations.
In order to gain a better understanding of the correlation between personality traits and changes in life satisfaction as we age, a group of researchers conducted a comparison of data gathered from studies on 9,110 individuals from the Netherlands. These subjects, aged 16-95, were surveyed over an 11-year period regarding their satisfaction with various aspects of life, including relationships and careers, as well as their personality traits based on the five-factor model. The study revealed that there is a definite connection between one's character and their level of satisfaction with life, regardless of age, and that character is the most important and significant factor in achieving high levels of happiness.
What is the most important personality trait for happiness?
Dr. von Spingen suggests that emotional stability is an important trait that can help individuals view the world more positively, and it is also one of the key factors that influence happiness. Dr. Janelle S. Piper, who is a clinical psychologist and a senior psychology lecturer at the University of Richmond in Virginia, USA, explains that this trait is closely related to the ability to manage stress, control emotions, and adapt to changes and challenges.
The team discovered that different characteristics have varying impacts on different parts of life. For instance, conscientiousness is more closely associated with work satisfaction, while extroversion is more closely linked to social satisfaction. Moreover, the individuals who scored higher on all five essential traits as they aged experienced higher levels of life satisfaction, implying that our personalities can change over time. Mental openness was the most noticeable trait that changed as people grew older, and those who were more open-minded tended to be more creative and curious, according to Dr. David Spiegel, the faculty of psychiatry and behavioral sciences chairman at Stanford University. These people are more likely to welcome new opportunities.
If we go back to emotional stability for a moment, it was found that it strengthens the feeling of job satisfaction as you get older, and the researchers speculate that this is because more mature people are willing to resign from jobs that do not satisfy them and look for new and more challenging positions. "In this respect, a person's emotional stability allows him to interact with his environment in a way that increases his level of satisfaction with his life," says Dr. von Spingen. The researchers point out that additional studies should be conducted on the subject and that relate to factors that were not examined in the current study, such as income level, marital status, employment status, and health status, and to examine how they affect our character and level of satisfaction in life over the years. "The interaction we have built with our character and our life experiences is complex and continuous," concludes Dr. Piper.
Is it possible to change the personality and be happier?
Dr. Piper suggests that our character traits may change over time, despite being generally consistent. This is especially evident in teenage boys, who tend to become more emotionally stable as they age, resulting in increased life satisfaction. Our behavior, character, and emotions are heavily influenced by our environment and life experiences, affecting our overall level of contentment. For instance, joining a social club can enhance one's extroverted tendencies, leading to greater satisfaction with their social life. Conversely, being in an unstable relationship can negatively impact one's character and emotional stability, ultimately leading to reduced life satisfaction.
Dr. von Spingen claims that previous research supports the idea that individuals have the ability to transform their character. He suggests that by cultivating qualities such as curiosity, spending more time outdoors, and being responsible, people can enhance their overall happiness. Additionally, it is important to identify one's own character traits and engage in activities that align with and strengthen them. While individuals can strive to develop certain traits, such as extroversion, they should also consider the circumstances and experiences that allow them to flourish in their current state, as advised by Dr. Piper.
A few words in closing...
Recent research indicates that an individual's happiness is significantly influenced by their personality traits. These traits not only impact their current level of satisfaction, but also intensify it over time. It is possible for someone to enhance their character traits to achieve higher levels of contentment in all aspects of life. As we age, our character can evolve in either a positive or negative direction. It is important to identify the personality traits that need improvement and engage in activities that can develop them. Alternatively, one can focus on strengthening the character traits that already contribute to their happiness.
