What principle explains how personal characteristics can develop or remain stable throughout life?

The principle that explains how personal characteristics can develop or remain stable throughout life is best captured by the concept of stability and change. This principle acknowledges that while certain traits and characteristics may remain consistent over time, individuals can also experience significant changes due to various factors such as life experiences, environments, and personal development.

For example, personality traits like extraversion or agreeableness can show stability, as research suggests that these traits tend to remain relatively constant from adolescence into adulthood. However, events such as major life changes, relationships, or challenges can also lead to shifts in these characteristics, indicating that development is a dynamic process.

This principle is fundamental in understanding human development as it provides insight into how and why individuals can exhibit both enduring traits and transformative changes throughout their lives, influenced by both internal (biological) and external (environmental) factors.