What the Science Says, part 3: The evidence indicates that people can change their personalities, alter their characteristics and become different versions of themselves
A person’s long-serving attitudes and habits are there because they make a person feel comfortable within themselves and the space they occupy. However, they are not always helpful
, the environmental factors into which we are born – family, culture, socioeconomic background and era – interact with our genetic predisposition and influence how personality traits show up.
If personality is determined by so many influences and factors which we may not even be aware of, then surely static personalities and concrete traits can also go through a transformation. Perhaps a person can change their personality, alter their characteristics, become a different version of themselves. Science says we can.
When asked the question of whether people can change their personality traits, Dr Doyle answered yes. However, she followed this with the understanding that changing our traits is not easy. “It’s a gradual process,” she says, “rather than an overnight transformation. Personality has some stable elements, but research shows that with intention and effort, people can shift traits over time.”
“There are a number of steps in changing attitudes and habits,” says Dr Doyle. “The first step is awareness. You have to notice when a habit or attitude isn’t serving you well. For example, if a person keeps falling into the same pattern of relationships the first step is to recognise the pattern and their role in it and to develop a compassionate understanding of how this pattern has developed.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Science-Backed Tips To Stick To Your New Year's ResolutionsThis article provides science-backed tips on how to stay on track with your New Year's resolutions. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, setting clear goals, and understanding the science behind habit change.
Read more »
Irish Students Explore Laughter's Impact on Learning and More at Primary Science FairStudents at the 2025 Primary Science Fair in Dublin showcased innovative research projects, examining the effects of laughter on learning, the influence of music on plant growth, and the consequences of a dramatic sea-level drop.
Read more »
Ireland's Energy Policy Needs a Science-Based ApproachThe article criticizes Ireland's current energy policy, arguing that it lacks objectivity and fails to consider all available options. It highlights the country's dependence on gas, the challenges with offshore wind energy, and the exclusion of nuclear energy from policy discussions. The author calls for a more comprehensive approach that assesses all possibilities in the best interests of society.
Read more »
On-street soup kitchens to be banned under new Dublin City Council bylawsOutdoor food services to homeless people ‘well-meaning’ but lacking in dignity and safety, council says
Read more »
World Bank lifts China growth forecast but calls for deeper reformsMultilateral lender says greater detail of policies is needed to bolster household and business confidence
Read more »
Snow disrupts road freight and traffic as postal deliveries are curtailed‘Next few days will continue to provide challenges in extremely low temperatures,’ says roads authority
Read more »