Abstract

The study of human personality is flourishing. One area of particularly rapid growth has been the exploration of how personality differences are consequential for health and well-being. I will explore the roots of this research and the routes it has taken. I will then ensnare, capture and poke some of the tacit assumptions underlying basic and applied aspects in this research agenda. The problems detected and solutions offered will deal with the insufficiency of trait explanations of well-being, the necessity of exploring people’s personal projects in order to understand and influence the shape of their lives, and the need for couples, families and organizations to consider crafting a “Free Trait agreement” in order to promote sustainable development across the life-span.