Are work characteristics related to personality development during the retirement transition?

Abstract

Work is one major developmental context in adulthood, as most adults spend considerable time at work. Retirement causes extensive changes in social contexts, daily routines, and individuals' identity. Little is known about how work characteristics are associated with personality trajectories, especially during the retirement transition. In the present study, we examined associations between changes in Big Five personality traits during the retirement transition and work environment characteristics (autonomy, skill discretion, and demands) as well as work effort. Based on three-wave longitudinal data from the Midlife in the United States study, we identified n = 286 adults (50-77 years, M = 57.83, SD = 5.00; 51% women), who retired during the study period, and a control group who did not retire (n = 260, 50-71 years, M = 54.28, SD = 3.82; 54% women). We analyzed data using latent change score models. The measurement model for conscientiousness was not time-invariant, therefore mean differences could not be analyzed. Significant mean-level decreases were found for neuroticism in both groups and for openness in retirees. There were only few significant associations between preretirement work characteristics and personality change: In retirees, higher preretirement skill discretion was associated with greater neuroticism decline and higher autonomy with less openness decline. In nonretirees, higher autonomy was associated with greater decline in extraversion. These findings suggest that work characteristics are not a major influence on personality trait changes during the retirement transition. Possible explanations and research desiderata concerning personality development in the context of retirement are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).