Individual Differences in behavior, development, emotion, and cognition help explain the variation that exists between individuals. Differential psychology is concerned with the study of individual differences in broad areas such as personality, temperament, intelligence, genetics, gender, interests, and goals… to name a few. Within a social context, we learn what to expect from others, how to make sense of the world, and who we are based on individual differences. These differences include inborn temperament, personality traits, schemas, and attachment patterns. One of the main goals in individual differences research is to predict ongoing behavior. The idea is that based on particular differences or a certain combination of qualities, it is possible to explain and predict a person’s behavior. For instance, research indicates a wealth of ways in which personality trait differences impact and predict important outcomes such as occupational success, marital satisfaction, mental disorders, and even mortality rates.

Through the lens of mindfulness, individual differences allow for deeper insight into the ways in which your personal life story, characteristics, and ambitions combine to make “you.” When you take the time and energy to explore your personal patterns of relating with others, interacting with the world, and true desires in life, self-awareness expands. Research increasingly supports the potential for qualities thought to be “unchangeable” to be flexible and adaptable based on the behaviors that we choose. For instance, studies indicate that trait mindfulness can be strengthened through regular meditation practices. In the realm of individual differences, qualities termed as “traits” are generally considered to be longstanding over the lifespan. In contrast, characteristics defined as “states” are thought of as temporary, environmentally induced, and changeable.