Personality

Questions of personality have vexed mankind from the dawn of personhood: can people change? How do others perceive me? What is the difference between normal and pathological behavior? One's personality is so pervasive and all-important that it presents a clinical paradox of sorts: it is hard to assess our own personality, impossible to overlook that of others.

Can You Change Your Temperament?

Can You Change Your Temperament?

Second Nature

Altering your personality with a little practice.

by Kathleen McGowan

You 2.0

How to upgrade your thinking, reboot your attitude, and reconfigure your life.

by Carlin Flora

The Transformation of Personality

Prozac and its peers have the power to dramatically reshape lives.

by Peter D. Kramer

Altered Ego

Do you want to change your personality--just a little? Here's how.

by Joann Ellison Rodgers

See Also

The Big Picture

The Big Picture

Am I Normal?

A more organic take on human nature is emerging.

by Annie Murphy Paul

Metaperceptions: How Do You See Yourself?

How you see yourself depends on your awareness of how others view you.

by Carlin Flora

What Is Normal?

Many people with diagnosable mental conditions are forging their own original takes on what's normal.

by Peter Kramer

See Also

PT's Field Guide to Personality Types

PT's Field Guide to Personality Types

Field Guide: Sarcastic Masters

How to negotiate the fine line between being snarky and being a jerk.

by Elizabeth Svoboda

Field Guide to the Drama Queen

How to handle a demanding diva.

by Jennifer Magid

Field Guide to the Enforcer: The Punishers

Why some people risk it all to punish evildoers.

by Mark Teich

Field Guide to The Pack Rat: Closet Cases

Hard times can awaken the hoarder within.

by Elizabeth Svoboda

A Field Guide to the Bon Vivant

Dissecting the party animal.

by Alison Rogers

Field Guide to the Do-Gooder: Earth Angels

Why good Samaritans reap joy from sacrifice.

by Carlin Flora

Field Guide to the Obsessive-Compulsive: Famously Fussy

It's OK to be a little picky.

by Joshua Kendall

Field Guide to the Materialist: She's Gotta Have It

For some people, stuff reigns and to shop is to be.

by Amy Rosenberg

Field Guide to the Tomboy: High Heels and Pink? No Way.

Embracing your not-so-feminine side.

by Sarah Showfety

Field Guide to the Casanova: The Lady-killer Files

They sweep women off their feet only to drop them fast.

by Adelle Waldman

Field Guide to The Nerd: It's All Geek to Me

How to teach a nerd the nuances of social life.

by Benjamin Nugent

Field Guide to the People-Pleaser: May I Serve as Your Doormat?

Why are some people so focused on pleasing others?

by Elizabeth Svoboda

A Field Guide To Narcissism

The weird world of the megalomaniac, explained.

by Carl Vogel

Field Guide to the Flake

Instilling responsibility in the irresponsible.

by Carlin Flora

A Field Guide to the Workaholic

How to help a workaholic loosen up.

by Brenda Goodman

A Field Guide to the Cynic

What makes a cynic tick.

by Elizabeth Svoboda

A Field Guide to the Neat Freak

The dangers—and benefits—of the species.

by Amy Rosenberg

Field Guide to the Loner: The Real Insiders

The introvert reaps secret joy from the solitary life.

by Elizabeth Svoboda

Field Guide to The Self-Doubter: Extra Credit

Some true successes say their laurels are unearned.

by Susan Pinker

Field Guide to the Conspiracy Theorist: Dark Minds

When does incredulity become paranoia?

by John Gartner

Personality Tests

What's Your Personality Type?

Understand your behavior and up your satisfaction.
Extroversion

Are you outgoing or do you keep to yourself?
Optimism/Pessimism

Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
ACT Profile

Learn about your personality and behavior.
Locus of Control

Are you taking charge of your life?
More Tests

The Latest on Personality

Giving When God is Watching by Daniel R. Hawes
Earn more money: Check your emotional baggage at the door. by Marisa Mauro, Psy.D.
Want Power? A Novel Approach to Acquiring What You Desire (Part II) by LisaMarie Luccioni, M.A., AICI, CIP
The evolution of judgment affects how we select leaders by John D. Mayer, Ph.D.
Pastor Adam McHugh talks about his new book, "Introverts in the Church." by Sophia Dembling
Filling your nest, but how full? by Susan Newman, Ph.D.
Why are school shooters attracted to "Romeo and Juliet"? by Peter Langman, Ph.D.
You need a second chance to make a first impression. by Art Markman, Ph.D.
Worrying that we're only inches away from the wrong place at the wrong time. by Sam Sommers
Freud and the cleansing of souls by Richard Shweder

Personality Blogs

Current Issue

Heartbreak and Home Runs: The Power of First Experiences

How early life experiences shape our character.