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Humanistic Philosophies Branch Guide
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Personal & Cosmic Meaning
Personal & Cosmic Meaning keeps the same branch pressure in view but turns it from a different angle.
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Are Humans More Egoistic or Altruistic?
Are Humans More Egoistic or Altruistic? keeps the same branch pressure in view but turns it from a different angle.
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What is Stoicism?
What is Stoicism? keeps the same branch pressure in view but turns it from a different angle.
Prompt 1: Existentialists suggest that we have no essence we are born with and destined to follow. But can humans actually change their personalities and character at any time?
The map becomes useful once its parts stop doing different work.
A map is an argument about importance. What it puts at the center, what it treats as derivative, and what it leaves unstable all shape how Can Humans Change will be understood.
- Autonomy and Self-Determination: The relation among the parts of Can Humans Change matters: what is central, what is derivative, and what pressure would change the map.
- The Role of External Support: The relation among the parts of Can Humans Change matters: what is central, what is derivative, and what pressure would change the map.
- Complexity of Change: The relation among the parts of Can Humans Change matters: what is central, what is derivative, and what pressure would change the map.
- Research and Evidence: The relation among the parts of Can Humans Change matters: what is central, what is derivative, and what pressure would change the map.
Prompt 2: List and comment on any studies that have measured the rate at and conditions under which humans can change their characters or personalities.
Why Research by Roberts, Walton, and Viechtbauer (2006) matters in practice
The Grant Study This longitudinal study, officially known as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, began in 1938 and tracked the lives of 268 Harvard sophomores. It aimed to identify predictors of healthy aging. Over the decades, the study has provided insights into how personalities can evolve over a lifetime. It showed that while certain traits remain relatively stable, aspects of personality related to emotional regulation and social skills can change significantly, especially influenced by life experiences and personal relationships.
The Terman Study of the Gifted Starting in 1921, psychologist Lewis Terman followed a group of 1,528 gifted children throughout their lives. This longitudinal study found that while many aspects of personality remain stable, significant life events and experiences, such as marriage, career changes, and war, can lead to personality changes, particularly in terms of social attitudes and behaviors.
The Riversdale Study A longitudinal study conducted in New Zealand that has tracked the lives of a group of individuals from birth into their 30s. The study has found evidence for both stability and change in personality traits over time. For example, it has documented how traits like conscientiousness can increase during young adulthood, often as a response to taking on new roles that require greater responsibility.
The German Socio-Economic Panel Study A wide-ranging longitudinal study that has, among other things, tracked personality changes in adults. One of the findings is that personality traits, including openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness, can change significantly in response to major life events, such as unemployment or bereavement.
Longitudinality Significant insights into personality change come from longitudinal studies that follow individuals over long periods, sometimes across their entire lives.
Influencing Factors Life experiences, major life events, and changes in social roles or environments are significant drivers of personality change.
Age Trends There are certain age-related trends in personality change, such as increases in conscientiousness and agreeableness and decreases in neuroticism, suggesting a maturation effect over time.
Individual Differences There’s considerable individual variation in the rate and direction of personality change, influenced by personal, social, and environmental factors.
Therapy and Personality Change A 20-week cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed for depression showed changes in personality traits, particularly extraversion and neuroticism (Clark et al., 2003). Another study found that mindfulness training for medical students led to shifts in conscientiousness, agreeableness, empathy, and emotional stability (Krasner et al., 2009). These findings suggest that focused interventions can influence specific personality aspects.
Life Events and Personality Shifts Studies like the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study have tracked people from birth and found personality changes associated with major life events like marriage, parenthood, or career transitions (Caspi et al., 2005). These changes tend to be gradual and may reflect adaptations to new circumstances.
Personality Change Over Time Research by Robert McCrae and colleagues suggests personality is most malleable in adolescence and young adulthood, with stability increasing over time (McCrae & Costa, 2003). This implies greater potential for significant personality shifts earlier in life.
Measurement Challenges Personality is a complex construct, and measuring change can be tricky. Self-reported personality tests might be influenced by current mood or even a desire to see change.
Nature vs. Nurture Twin studies show some personality traits have a genetic basis, influencing the rate of change. Someone high in neuroticism (prone to negative emotions) might find it harder to become more optimistic compared to someone with lower neuroticism.
Effort and Consistency The studies mentioned involved focused interventions or significant life events. Personality change likely requires dedicated effort and consistent behavior over time.
- Research by Roberts, Walton, and Viechtbauer (2006): This meta-analysis reviewed 92 longitudinal studies to examine changes in the Big Five personality traits across the life span.
Prompt 3: If an individual dislikes their current personality, what are the actions they can take, such as those related to environmental changes, to maximize the speed at which they shed that unwanted personality?
If an individual dislikes their current personality, what are the actions they can take, such as those
Seek Professional Help Engaging in therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in addressing and modifying thought patterns and behaviors that underlie certain personality traits. Therapists can provide strategies and support for making desired changes.
Set Specific Goals Identify specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals related to the personality changes you wish to make. For instance, if you want to become more outgoing, you might set a goal to initiate conversations with strangers once a week.
Engage in New Activities Trying new activities can expose you to different social settings and challenges that encourage growth and change. Joining clubs, taking up new hobbies, or learning new skills can help shift your self-perception and how others perceive you.
Alter Your Social Environment Your social circle greatly influences your behavior and personality. Spending time with people who embody the traits you aspire to can help you adopt those traits yourself. This might mean making new friends, finding mentors, or minimizing contact with individuals who reinforce the unwanted aspects of your personality.
Practice Mindfulness and Reflection Regularly practicing mindfulness and self-reflection can increase your awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, making it easier to identify and change patterns that contribute to your current personality traits.
Embrace Positive Habits Building positive habits that align with your desired personality traits can reinforce changes. For example, if you wish to become more disciplined, establishing a daily routine and sticking to it can be beneficial.
Read and Educate Yourself Reading books on personal development, psychology, or biographies of people who have made significant life changes can provide inspiration and practical advice on how to change aspects of your personality.
Feedback and Adjust Seek feedback from trusted friends or family about your progress. They can provide insights into changes they’ve observed and areas where you could improve. Be open to adjusting your strategies based on what’s working and what isn’t.
Physical Health Maintaining physical health through exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can positively affect your mental health and resilience, facilitating personality changes.
Consistency and Patience Personality change is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and patience. Recognize and celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Identify Specific Traits First, pinpoint the personality traits you want to adjust. Are you aiming to be more outgoing (extroversion)? More organized (conscientiousness)? More open to new experiences? Specificity helps tailor your approach.
Craft a Supportive Environment Surround yourself with people who embody the traits you admire. Join clubs or activities that encourage desired behaviors. For example, if you want to be more social, join a volunteer group or a sports team.
Challenge Yourself Gradually Step outside your comfort zone, but in small, manageable ways. If shyness holds you back, try striking up short conversations with cashiers or baristas. Gradually increase the duration and complexity of social interactions.
Practice Positive Self-Talk Combat negative self-beliefs that might hinder progress. When you achieve a goal, acknowledge your effort and celebrate the positive change.
Habit Building Focus on building new habits that support your desired personality shift. Want to be more conscientious? Set daily reminders for tasks or create a morning routine. Repetition is key to making new behaviors automatic.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Consider seeking professional help from a therapist specializing in CBT. CBT helps identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more constructive ones, which can influence behaviors and personality traits. [What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?]
Life Coaching Life coaches can provide support and accountability as you work towards your goals. They can help you create a personalized plan and track your progress.
Patience is Key Significant personality changes take time and consistent effort. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks, view them as learning opportunities.
Prompt 4: It has been suggested that those who make changes without dependence on others, such as a therapist, often change faster and more permanently. To what degree is this true?
To what degree is this true?
Self-Motivation Changes that are self-initiated and driven by personal motivation might be more meaningful and integrated into one’s self-concept, potentially leading to more lasting change. This aligns with the principles of self-determination theory, which emphasizes the role of autonomy in motivating and sustaining changes in behavior and personality.
Personal Responsibility Individuals who take personal responsibility for their change process may feel a greater sense of ownership and commitment to the outcomes, possibly leading to faster and more permanent changes.
Guidance and Expertise While autonomy is crucial, the expertise and guidance of professionals like therapists can accelerate the change process by providing strategies, insights, and support that individuals might not be able to access on their own. Therapists can help navigate obstacles and offer evidence-based interventions that might not be intuitively obvious.
Accountability and Support External support, whether from therapists, mentors, or support groups, can also provide accountability and encouragement, which are significant factors in sustaining motivation and overcoming setbacks.
Simple vs. Complex Changes The complexity of the desired change plays a significant role. Simple behavioral modifications might be more easily achieved independently, whereas more profound personality changes or issues stemming from deep-seated psychological conditions may benefit significantly from professional intervention.
Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Traits Changes related to adaptive traits or behaviors (e.g., becoming more organized) might be easier to achieve independently than changes related to maladaptive traits or behaviors (e.g., overcoming anxiety disorders), which often require specialized interventions.
Lack of Consensus Research on the effectiveness of independent versus supported change efforts is mixed, with outcomes heavily dependent on the context, the nature of the change, and individual differences. Some individuals thrive with independence, leveraging self-help resources effectively, while others achieve better results with structured support.
Ownership and Motivation Taking charge of your own change can increase your sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation. This can lead to a stronger commitment to seeing things through.
Tailored Approach You can design a plan that specifically addresses your needs and preferences, potentially leading to faster initial progress.
Reduced Stigma Some people may feel uncomfortable seeking therapy, so self-directed change avoids that barrier.
Lack of Expertise Therapists are trained professionals with experience in guiding personality change. They can offer objective insights, identify blind spots, and suggest strategies you might not have considered on your own.
Accountability Partner Therapists provide accountability and support, which can be crucial for staying on track and overcoming challenges.
Emotional Hurdles Deep-seated personality traits might be linked to unresolved emotional issues. Therapists can help uncover and address these underlying issues to facilitate lasting change.
Complexity of Change For relatively simple changes, like building a new habit, self-directed approaches might be sufficient. However, addressing more complex personality shifts often benefits from professional guidance.
Self-Awareness Highly self-aware individuals who can identify their triggers and thought patterns might achieve success through self-directed work. Those with lower self-awareness might need a therapist’s help for deeper self-discovery.
Support System Having a supportive network of friends and family who encourage your goals can significantly improve the success rate of self-directed change.
- Research and Evidence: In summary, whether individuals change faster and more permanently with or without the dependence on a therapist or external support varies.
Prompt 5: I have a friend who quite rapidly got over his shyness by forcing himself to speak to a random girl everyday. Is this “brute force” method encouraged?
What changes once we define Points to Consider more carefully
Individual Differences This approach may not work for everyone. Success can vary depending on the individual’s personality, the severity of their shyness, and their coping mechanisms. For some, this “brute force” method might cause more anxiety at first.
Gradual Exposure Professionals often recommend a more graded approach to exposure, starting with less intimidating interactions and gradually increasing the challenge as the individual becomes more comfortable. This can help prevent overwhelming anxiety that might deter progress.
Support and Strategies While going it alone can work for some, others might benefit from additional support, such as cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage anxiety or the encouragement of a therapist or support group. These resources can provide tools for dealing with setbacks and building social skills.
Safety and Respect It’s important to ensure that this approach is conducted in a respectful and appropriate manner, considering the comfort and consent of others involved in these interactions.
Reflection and Learning Combining exposure with reflection on the experiences can enhance learning and adjustment. This might involve noting what went well, what could be improved, and how their feelings change over time.
Exposure Therapy The core idea is similar to exposure therapy, a technique used in CBT. Regularly forcing yourself into social situations can gradually desensitize you to anxiety and build confidence.
Quick Wins For some people, this method can lead to rapid initial progress. Talking to someone new every day can quickly expand your social circle and boost self-esteem.
Quality vs. Quantity Focusing solely on quantity of interactions might neglect the quality of those interactions. Meaningful conversations are more valuable than just forcing small talk.
Burnout and Backlash Constantly pushing yourself outside your comfort zone can lead to burnout and negative social experiences. This could reinforce feelings of inadequacy.
Inauthenticity Approaching strangers solely to overcome shyness can feel inauthentic and create unnecessary pressure.
Start Smaller Instead of random people, begin by striking up conversations with acquaintances or cashiers. Gradually increase the complexity of interactions as you gain confidence.
Focus on Quality Aim for meaningful conversations, not just the number of people you talk to. Ask questions, listen actively, and find common ground.
Join Social Groups Join clubs, volunteer groups, or online communities based on your interests. This provides a natural environment to connect with like-minded people.
Seek Professional Help A therapist can help identify the root of your shyness and develop a personalized strategy for overcoming it. They can also teach social skills and strategies for managing social anxiety.
Neurological Foundation ASD is characterized by differences in brain development and functioning, affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior. These neurological differences are present from birth or early childhood and are integral to the individual’s cognitive and perceptual experiences of the world.
Inherent Characteristics While existentialists may argue against a fixed essence, conditions like ASD can be seen as inherent aspects of an individual’s being. They shape how individuals perceive, interact with, and respond to their environment from a very early age, influencing their development and personality.
Change and Growth Individuals with ASD can and do experience personal growth and change over time. Interventions, therapies, and personal experiences can lead to significant improvements in communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. However, the core neurological aspects of ASD remain a consistent part of the individual’s makeup.
Essence vs. Identity From an existential perspective, the concept of essence as something immutable is challenged by the idea of personal agency and freedom. Individuals with ASD, like all individuals, have the capacity for self-awareness, choice, and personal development. Their condition may present challenges and influence their experiences, but it does not predetermine their essence in the existential sense.
- Points to Consider: While the “brute force” method your friend used can be effective and is a form of encouraged psychological practice in controlled environments, it’s important to tailor the approach to the individual’s needs and comfort levels.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Essence: While conditions like ASD have inherent neurological aspects that influence an individual’s interaction with the world, the existentialist view of essence as something fluid and constructed through experience suggests that individuals always have some degree of agency in shaping.
What ties this page together.
A good route is to identify the strongest version of the idea, then test where it needs qualification, evidence, or a neighboring concept.
The main pressure comes from treating a useful distinction as final, or treating a local insight as if it solved more than it actually solves.
Keep Autonomy and Self-Determination, The Role of External Support, and Complexity of Change in the same frame. That is what shows what the page is claiming, where it gets tested, and what would have to change if the claim is right.
Read this page as part of the wider Humanistic Philosophies branch: the prompts point inward to the topic, but they also point outward to neighboring questions that keep the topic honest.
- Which distinction inside Can Humans Change is easiest to miss when the topic is explained too quickly?
- What is the strongest charitable reading of this topic, and what is the strongest criticism?
- How does this page connect to what the topic clarifies and what it asks the reader to hold apart?
- What kind of evidence, argument, or lived pressure should most influence our judgment about Can Humans Change?
- Which of these threads matters most right now: Autonomy and Self-Determination., The Role of External Support., Complexity of Change.?
Deep Understanding Quiz Check your understanding of Can Humans Change
This quiz checks whether the main distinctions and cautions on the page are clear. Choose an answer, read the feedback, and click the question text if you want to reset that item.
Future Branches
Where this page naturally expands
Nearby pages in the same branch include Personal & Cosmic Meaning, Are Humans More Egoistic or Altruistic?, What is Stoicism?, and What is Existentialism?; those links are not decorative, but suggested continuations where the pressure of this page becomes sharper, stranger, or more usefully contested.