Personality Change After Spousal Loss: Re-Examining the Posttraumatic Growth Framework Using a Matched Longitudinal Design

Abstract

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to desired psychological change following adversity, traditionally assessed across five domains (e.g., Personal Strength and Relating to Others). Research suggests that PTG may be operationalized as personality change. This study examines whether spousal loss is associated with desired changes in Big Five traits as a form of PTG. We included n = 256 spousal loss cases from the publicly available Dutch LISS panel and matched controls. Controls were identified using propensity score matching on relevant covariates and a dependent variable matching procedure to ensure baseline trait similarity. Annual assessments spanning 2 years before to 4 years after the loss were analyzed using linear mixed models. Spousal loss was not associated with desired personality changes. On the contrary, bereaved persons showed a noticeable temporal increase in Neuroticism surrounding the loss and decreasing Conscientiousness after loss. Especially in bereaved men, Neuroticism rose until the year of loss and declined subsequently but remained above control levels. The predominant trait-based operationalization of PTG contradicts retrospective self-reports. Perceived PTG may align with a curvilinear course of Neuroticism, where eventual posttrauma reductions in emotional distress are perceived as growth.

Plain Language Summary

Losing a spouse is one of the hardest life experiences. Some people describe this loss as a turning point that made them stronger, more appreciative of life, or better in relationships. Researchers call such positive changes “posttraumatic growth.” A key question is whether this growth manifests as positive personality trait change. Psychologists often describe personality using the “Big Five” traits: Extraversion (being outgoing), Openness (being curious and creative), Agreeableness (being cooperative and kind), Conscientiousness (being organized and reliable), and Neuroticism (being prone to worry and stress). If PTG were taking place, we would expect to see people becoming more outgoing, open, agreeable, and conscientious, and lower in Neuroticism. We analyzed data from 256 Dutch adults who lost their spouse and compared their personality development over a period of seven years (from 2 years before the loss until 4 years after loss) with control groups, who were matched on background factors and on their personality levels. Our findings show that spousal loss was not linked to notable personality change in the expected way. There were even some negative trends. Neuroticism increased until the year of loss, particularly among bereaved men. Although it decreased in the following years, it remained elevated. Further, Conscientiousness decreased after the loss and remained lower compared to before loss. These results suggest that losing a spouse does not typically lead to personality growth as measured in traits. Instead, people may perceive growth when they notice that emotional distress eventually lessens over time. This highlights an important difference between what people feel has changed and what can be observed in their personality.