Early predictors of trait extraversion in adulthood: Findings from a nationally representative sample

In total, 5663 participants provided information on family social background measured at birth; family social life at age 7 years; childhood intelligence, childhood speech difficulties and oral ability assessed at 11 years; leisure activities (parties and sports) measured at age 16 years; optimism and educational qualifications measured at 33 years; occupational levels at 42 years; and trait Extraversion measured at 50 years. Parental social status, childhood social life, childhood intelligence and speech abilities, parties and sports, optimism, education and occupation were all significantly associated with Extraversion accounting for around a tenth of the variance. Structural equation modelling showed that six factors: childhood social life, childhood speech ability, parties and sports, optimism, and occupational levels were significant and independent predictors of trait Extraversion in adulthood for both men and women. Implications and limitations of the study are acknowledged.