The transition from university to work: Understanding the change processes underlying personality development

This project examines the development of personality, with a focus on core self-evaluations, during the transition from education to work. We use an intensive longitudinal design with experience sampling methods to examine long- and short-term change. The project has three aims: to examine how personality changes, how individuals differ in their change and what mechanisms (motives, emotions, daily events) explain these changes.

Entering the workforce is a major developmental transition. Some adjust well, others struggle. The reasons for this individual variability and the impact on personality development are unexplored. This study will provide novel evidence on environmental and individual factors and processes of personality development during the work transition.