Age differences on measures of Disinhibition during young adulthood

The trait of Disinhibition (versus Constraint; DvC) figures prominently in numerous personality frameworks and is linked to several psychiatric disorders. Recent findings indicate that this trait changes dramatically during young adulthood. In a cross-sectional analysis, the present study was conducted to explicate the nature of developmental shifts on general and specific components of DvC. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of commonly used DvC measures revealed robust age differences between younger (18–19 years-old) and older (22–25 years-old) participants on three components of DvC: Accomplishment, Self-control, and Agreeableness. However, the Accomplishment dimension demonstrated particularly strong age differences. These results further highlight the important personality development evident during young adulthood and point to both broad and specific changes in DvC during this time period.