Changes in Personality Traits Predict Future Self-Control

Abstract: Using longitudinal data from over 14,000 participants in the Household, Income, and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, this study examined how levels of personality traits and their changes predict future self-control. The Big Five traits were assessed at four points between 2005 and 2017. Self-control was evaluated in 2019. For data analysis, latent growth curve analyses were performed. While the initial levels of extraversion and openness showed negligible predictive effects, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and agreeableness more strongly predicted future self-control. Furthermore, the results showed that increases in conscientiousness, emotional stability, and agreeableness were associated with higher future self-control. These results provide new insights into the relationship between personality traits and self-control by showing the predictive power of initial trait levels and their developmental trajectories.