Pay Rises May Be Linked to Small Personality Changes, Study Suggests

A broad analysis of psychology research suggests that salary increases may be associated with modest changes in personality, alongside improvements in financial circumstances.

The findings point to a possible connection between higher earnings and aspects of an individual’s personality. The changes described were slight, rather than major shifts in character.

The reported association should not be read as proof that a pay rise directly causes personality changes. It also does not mean that everyone who earns more will experience such changes.

The analysis raises questions about how financial circumstances and personality may be connected. The available summary did not identify which personality traits were involved or the circumstances in which the changes appeared.