personality; well-being; development

The aim of this study was to predict both adaptive psychological functioning (well-being) and adaptive social functioning (career stability) in middle adulthood based on behaviours observed in toddlerhood and personality traits measured in adolescence. Eighty-three people participated in an ongoing longitudinal study started in 1961. Various aspects of well-being were used as indicators of adaptive psychological functioning in adulthood: life satisfaction, self-esteem and self-efficacy. Career stabilitywas used as an indicator of adaptive social functioning. Extraversion measured at the age of 16 and childhood disinhibition proved to be the best predictors of well-being indicators. Extraversion in adolescence, childhood disinhibition and negative affectivity predicted career stability. Findings are discussed in the context of a theoretical framework of higher order factors of Big Five personality constructs, stability and plasticity.