Taking the available evidence into account, what is the causal direction linking life events and personality traits?

A) Traits predict experiences and experiences predict changes in traits.
B) Changes in traits predict experiences.
C) Changes in experiences predict traits.
D) Changes in experiences and changes in traits are unrelated to one another.

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Karrey Plowman · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  The most widely accepted direction of the causal relationship is that personality traits predict experiences and vice versa. This is supported by research such as longitudinal studies tracking changes in personality over time based on different life events. While there may be some cases where changes in experiences lead to changes in traits (option C), the overall pattern suggests bidirectional causality. Option B is too limited in its scope as it does not account for how experiences can also influence personality. Option D is not supported by empirical evidence.

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