Self and peer perceptions of childhood aggression, social withdrawal and likeability predict adult personality factors: A prospective longitudinal study

Self and peer perceptions of childhood aggression, social withdrawal and likeability were compared as predictors of adult personality factors from the Five Factor Model. Peer perceived aggression, self perceived social withdrawal and peer and self perceived likeability in childhood were anticipated to be the most closely linked with later personality factors. Participants, initially recruited from grade school in 1976–1978, completed self and peer evaluations of these childhood behaviours. In 1999–2003, participants, now in mid-adulthood, completed the NEO-FFI. Self perceived social withdrawal was associated with lower levels of Conscientiousness, but peer perceived social withdrawal was associated with lower levels of adult Extraversion. Peer perceived likeability was associated with higher levels of Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, and lower levels of Neuroticism. Overall, these findings supported the use of peer, rather than self ratings of childhood behaviour patterns in the prediction of adult personality outcomes.

► Self and peer rated childhood behaviours were compared in the prediction of adult personality. ► Social withdrawal was associated with lower Extraversion and Conscientiousness. ► Likeability was linked with higher Agreeableness and Conscientiousness; lower Neuroticism.