The social influences on trait Conscientiousness: Findings from a nationally representative sample

• This was a longitudinal study following over 5000 British adults for 50 years.
• Our interest was in social class, intelligence and gender correlates of Conscientiousness.
• Brighter females from High SES backgrounds were more Conscientiousness.
• Structural equation modelling was used to explore various relationships.

This study examined the associations between childhood intelligence, social and demographic variables and trait Conscientiousness in a large nationally representative sample. 5128 participants provided information on family social background measured at birth, childhood intelligence assessed at 11 years, educational qualifications obtained at 33 years, occupational levels at 42 years, and personality trait Conscientiousness measured at 50 years. Results showed that parental social status, childhood intelligence, education, occupation were all modestly, but significantly, associated with adult trait Conscientiousness. Structural equation modelling showed that after entering education and occupation, the effects of childhood factors, family social status and intelligence on adult trait Conscientiousness ceased to be significant. This study demonstrated a significant, but very small positive association between intelligence, social factors and Conscientiousness. Gender was also significantly associated with Conscientiousness. Limitations are acknowledged.