Scientists tested the truthfulness of a well-known proverb

Researchers at the University of Zurich decided to test the fairness of the proverb "Tell me who your friend is, and I'll tell you who you are." Their findings confirm: at a young age, personality indeed changes under the influence of one's environment. The work is published in the journal Review of Economics and Statistics.

The study involved more than 1,200 students from Swiss universities. Scientists assessed their personality traits using the "Big Five" model (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism), as well as their level of competitiveness.

Students were randomly assigned to groups of four people, and they actively interacted throughout the semester. Follow-up surveys were conducted over four years to track long-term changes.

The results showed that young people do indeed adopt traits from their peers: an environment dominated by open, conscientious, and goal-oriented students contributed to the development of these qualities in others. However, the influence on parameters such as extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism was minimal.

The study authors note that conscientious peers reduced stress levels in groups and stimulated academic activity. Students were more likely to adopt qualities that are useful in an academic environment - which confirms the theory of motivated personality transformation.

The most persistent changes were in conscientiousness and competitiveness - they lasted up to four years. The influence on openness decreased over time. These findings are particularly important for teachers and organizers of educational programs who form learning collectives.