Finding order in the flow of personality: Dynamical systems techniques for measuring personality coherence and change

Abstract Contemporary psychology emphasizes that personality is both coherent and yet pliable in response to external events and internal processes, but there is little consensus regarding how these two fundamental features of personality are related. We suggest that the methods and tools inspired by nonlinear dynamical systems offer new means of understanding how external and internal forces interact to promote coherence and variability in personality expression as well the basis for personality development. We provide an overview of the key concepts from dynamical systems that are relevant to this reframing of personality, and then offer a description of several methodological strategies that show promise in creating a “toolbox” for investigating the structure and dynamics of personality. Although the dynamical approach is in its nascent stage, we offer specific examples of how this toolbox has been used to provide insight into the dynamic processes responsible for the coherence and pliability of personality.