A recent study, conducted by researchers from “Keimyung” University and published on the “Psypost” website, sheds light on the profound impact of loneliness on personality traits over time, focusing on the existence of a bidirectional relationship between loneliness and major personality traits.

• A study warns of “loneliness” with risks leading to death

Contrary to the traditional belief that personality traits remain constant throughout life, emerging evidence suggests they are subject to change in response to different life experiences. Building on this understanding, researchers sought to examine how loneliness, a major emotional experience, influences shifts in personality traits over time.

The study, based on data collected as part of the Health and Retirement Study – a longitudinal project tracking the lives of American adults aged over 50 – analyzed responses from 9,671 participants surveyed in 2012, 2016, and 2020. Using advanced statistical techniques, researchers examined the complex interplay between loneliness, personality traits, and negative outcomes.

• Being Alone: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Spending Time Alone

Results revealed that feelings of loneliness predict declines in well-being, acceptance, and conscientiousness over time. This suggests that prolonged experiences of loneliness can gradually erode social openness, affection, and individual discipline. Additionally, the study highlighted a tendency towards negative emotional states, as a significant indicator of increased future loneliness, confirming the cyclical relationship between loneliness and negative emotional states.

Researchers emphasized the importance of these findings, indicating that interventions aimed at addressing loneliness and promoting positive personality development can have significant benefits for mental health. They also underscored the importance of comprehensive approaches targeting both social skills, personality traits, and negative emotions simultaneously, suggesting that such multidimensional interventions hold promise for effective treatment of mental health and support systems.

• Did you know? Being alone or unhappy makes us age faster than cigarettes

However, the study’s reliance on a specific population in the United States, adults over 50, limits capturing the experiences of younger individuals or those from different cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, future research could expand on these findings by exploring interventions specifically designed for diverse demographic groups.

The researchers also highlighted three key points derived from the study. Firstly, seeking personal growth by enhancing personality traits does not mean self-rejection but becoming a better version of oneself. Secondly, while feelings of loneliness are normal, a lifestyle characterized by continuous loneliness may have significant negative consequences. Lastly, they emphasized the flexibility of personalities, noting that achieving lasting change requires ongoing effort and consistent adjustments to daily routines and behaviors.

• The Many Benefits of Participating in Sports for Older Adults: Improving Physical and Mental Health and Connecting with the Community

In summary, the study has highlighted the complex relationship between loneliness and personality traits, as well as the opportunities for interventions to alleviate loneliness and promote positive personality development. With the continued evolution of our understanding of these dynamics, there is a growing demand for the development of comprehensive mental health interventions addressing the multidimensional aspects of individual well-being.