You can change your personality – it's not set in stone

+ for nutrition, physicians are not always the best source US Edition - Today's top story: Can you change your personality? Psychology research says yes, by tweaking what you think and do [View in browser]( US Edition | 25 September 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( I was initially a little skeptical when clinical psychologist and researcher Shannon Sauer-Zavala described the relatively simple techniques people can use to change their personality as they like. I mean, that sounds kind of challenging! I realized, though, that I was confused about what psychology researchers mean when they talk about personality. It’s not some core essence of you. Instead, Sauer-Zavala writes, it’s “your characteristic way of thinking, feeling and behaving. … It’s not your values or what you think is important in life.” Maybe there are personality traits that would help you live the life you want – being more dependable, say, or less defensive. Sauer-Zavala explains how “making intentional tweaks to (your) thinking and behavior” can [mold your personality in the direction you prefer](. Also in this week’s science news: - [Why sharks and rays breach]( - [How to have a healthy relationship with your phone]( - [Teaching trees to produce defensive compounds]( If there’s a subject you’d like our team of science editors to investigate, please reply to this email. Maggie Villiger Senior Science + Technology Editor Making a personality change could help you live the life you want. lechatnoir/E+ via Getty Images [Can you change your personality? Psychology research says yes, by tweaking what you think and do]( Shannon Sauer-Zavala, University of Kentucky The concept of a personality may sound like it’s set in stone. But personality is really much more flexible − and you can take steps to craft your characteristic thoughts, feelings and behaviors. 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