Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this influential work argues for the enduring stability of personality across adult development. It also offers a highly accessible introduction to the five- factor model of personality. Critically reviewing different theories of personality and adult development, the authors explain the logic behind the scientific assessment of personality, present a comprehensive model of trait structure, and examine patterns of trait stability and change after age 30, incorporating data from ongoing cross- sectional and longitudinal studies. New in the Second Edition The second edition has been updated throughout with the authors' new findings, ideas, and interpretations, and includes a new chapter on cross-cultural research. It culminates in an additional new chapter that presents a comprehensive theory of personality grounded in the five-factor model. Table of Contents 1. Facts and Theories of Adult Development 2. A Trait Approach to Personality 3. Measuring Personality 4. The Search for Growth or Decline in Personality 5. Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Personality and Aging 6. The Course of Personality Development in the Individual 7. Stability Reconsidered: Qualifications and Rival Hypotheses 8. A Different View: Ego Psychologies and Projective Methods 9. Adult Development as Seen through the Personal Interview 10. A Five-Factor Theory of Personality 11. The Influences of Personality on the Life Course "This is an important updating of the first edition. The authors' emphasis on stability in personality through adulthood is now fully buttressed by their five- factor theory and by new evidence, particularly recent cross-cultural and longitudinal findings. Little background in psychology or gerontology is assumed, and research methods and statistics are introduced and explained along the way. Yet the book is not only for beginners. Researchers in adult personality development will find this book to be an invaluable portal to the authors' extensive research program. McCrae and Costa are prolific and creative researchers who have been working together for more than 20 years, and there is no better introduction to and summary of their contributions to personality psychology and adult development." -Daniel J. Ozer, PhD, University of California, Riverside "The first edition of Personality in Adulthood was a landmark in the presentation of the five- factor model. The second edition builds on that contribution and presents the most current formulation of the theory and supportive research. Particularly noteworthy is the attention given to cross-cultural studies. Every personality psychologist will want to give careful attention to this important contribution." -Lawrence A. Pervin, PhD, Rutgers--The State University of New Jersey "McCrae and Costa have done an outstanding job of bringing their book up to date while rethinking and expanding their conclusions. The last dozen years have seen an explosion of relevant research, and McCrae and Costa seem to have incorporated it all. Some of their arguments and conclusions will continue to be controversial, as they themselves fully acknowledge; but even those who disagree with them in one respect or another will be grateful for this clear and full new statement. It will be a highly useful book, especially for those wishing to be informed about the current status of the five-factor model of personality." -David M. Wulff, PhD, Wheaton College |