What is a key characteristic of personality according to psychological definitions?

A key characteristic of personality, as defined in psychology, is that it consists of constant and enduring traits. This understanding of personality emphasizes that individuals possess relatively stable attributes that influence their behavior across various situations over time. These traits form the basis of an individual's identity and remain consistent, despite changes in their environment or circumstances.

While personality can indeed exhibit some degree of adaptability due to experiences or context, the defining aspect is the relatively stable traits that people carry with them. This stability helps psychologists predict how individuals are likely to respond in various situations, making "constant and enduring traits" a fundamental understanding in personality psychology.

Inconsistent behavior patterns would suggest a lack of coherence in personality, which contradicts the essence of what personality represents. Furthermore, while some aspects of personality may be observable, the definition of personality itself encompasses more than just observable behaviors; it includes internal cognitive and emotional aspects as well. Lastly, while traits can evolve to some extent, saying they are entirely adaptive and changeable downplays their inherent stability that characterizes personality.