"Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this book offers an up-to-date statement of current knowledge on personality and adult development. Presented are compelling updates and refinements to the argument advanced in the original volume - that personality traits remain remarkably stable after age 30, exerting a significant influence on individual adaptation and the life course. Describing the results of ongoing cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, Robert R. McCrae and Paul T.

Costa, Jr., examine how traits can best be conceptualized and measured and trace their stability over time and across cultures. In the process, they provide a highly accessible introduction to the Five-Factor Model of personality.".

"The volume begins with a critical review of theories of adult development, focusing on the central question of whether personality changes or remains the same as the individual grows older. Delineating the principles of trait psychology, the book demonstrates how the Five-Factor Model can incorporate virtually all of the traits identified in common language and in scientific theories.

This breadth makes the model an ideal tool for assessing personality systematically and tracing patterns of growth or decline across the lifespan. Marshaling a wealth of empirical data, and carefully considering the strengths and limitations of different research methodologies, the book provides a thorough account of what happens to personality as men and women age. Updated throughout with new ideas, findings, and interpretations, the second edition includes a new chapter on cross-cultural research.

An additional new chapter presents a comprehensive theory of personality grounded in the Five-Factor Model, addressing crucial questions about how individual characteristics affect our experiences, actions, and sense of self.".

"Written in a clear, jargon-free tone, this book contains much of value for students, teachers, and researchers in personality, social, and developmental psychology. It also belongs on the shelves of clinicians interested in adult development and aging. It serves as an informative text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in adult or lifespan development, personality theory and research, and personality development."--BOOK JACKET.