Examining the relationship between changes in personality and changes in depression

The present study explored the potential importance of using personality trait change as a unique predictor of change in depressive symptoms in a large, longitudinal sample. Cross-sectional, prospective, and correlated-change analyses, as well as several potential mediators (i.e., life satisfaction, chronic stressors, physical health) that may account for the link between personality traits and depression were tested. As predicted, the relationship between static levels of personality traits and depression found in previous research was replicated, and strong evidence was found for personality trait change in predicting change in depression. Variables associated with satisfaction and health were found to partially mediate the link between personality traits and depression.