Showing papers by "University of Illinois at Chicago published in 2001"

Corporate Social Responsibility: a Theory of the Firm Perspective

Abstract: We outline a supply and demand model of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on this framework, we hypothesize that a firm's level of CSR will depend on its size, level of diversification, research and development, advertising, government sales, consumer income, labor market conditions, and stage in the industry life cycle. From these hypotheses, we conclude that there is an “ideal” level of CSR, which managers can determine via cost-benefit analysis, and that there is a neutral relationship between CSR and financial performance.

A Social Capital Theory of Career Success

Abstract: A model integrating competing theories of social capital with research on career success was developed and tested in a sample of 448 employees with various occupations and organizations. Social capital was conceptualized in terms of network structure and social resources. Results of structural equation modeling showed that network structure was related to social resources and that the effects of social resources on career success were fully mediated by three network benefits: access to information, access to resources, and career sponsorship.

The value of plants used in traditional medicine for drug discovery.

Abstract: In this review we describe and discuss several approaches to selecting higher plants as candidates for drug development with the greatest possibility of success. We emphasize the role of information derived from various systems of traditional medicine (ethnomedicine) and its utility for drug discovery purposes. We have identified 122 compounds of defined structure, obtained from only 94 species of plants, that are used globally as drugs and demonstrate that 80% of these have had an ethnomedical use identical or related to the current use of the active elements of the plant. We identify and discuss advantages and disadvantages of using plants as starting points for drug development, specifically those used in traditional medicine.

Social Networks and the Performance of Individuals and Groups

Abstract: A field study involving 190 employees in 38 work groups representing five diverse organizations provided evidence that social networks, as defined in terms of both positive and negative relations, are related to both individual and group performance. As hypothesized, individual job performance was positively related to centrality in advice networks and negatively related to centrality in hindrance networks composed of relationships tending to thwart task behaviors. Hindrance network density was significantly and negatively related to group performance.

Comparative studies of metamodelling techniques under multiple modelling criteria

Abstract: Despite advances in computer capacity, the enormous computational cost of running complex engineering simulations makes it impractical to rely exclusively on simulation for the purpose of design optimization. To cut down the cost, surrogate models, also known as metamodels, are constructed from and then used in place of the actual simulation models. In this paper, we systematically compare four popular metamodelling techniques – polynomial regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines, radial basis functions, and kriging – based on multiple performance criteria using fourteen test problems representing different classes of problems. Our objective in this study is to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of these four metamodelling techniques using multiple criteria and multiple test problems rather than a single measure of merit and a single test problem.

Phonemic Awareness Instruction Helps Children Learn to Read: Evidence From the National Reading Panel's Meta-Analysis

Abstract: A quantitative meta-analysis evaluating the effects of phonemic awareness (PA) instruction on learning to read and spell was conducted by the National Reading Panel. There were 52 studies published in peer-reviewed journals, and these contributed 96 cases comparing the outcomes of treatment and control groups. Analysis of effect sizes revealed that the impact of PA instruction on helping children acquire PA was large and statistically significant (d = 0.86). PA instruction exerted a moderate, statistically significant impact on reading (d = 0.53) and spelling (d = 0.59). Not only word reading but also reading comprehension benefited. PA instruction impacted reading under all the conditions examined although effect sizes were larger under some conditions. PA instruction helped various types of children: normally developing readers as well as at-risk and disabled readers; preschoolers, kindergartners, and first graders; low socioeconomic status children as well as mid-high SES. PA instruction improved reading, but it did not improve spelling in disabled readers. PA instruction was more effective when it was taught with letters than without letters, when one or two PA skills were taught than multiple PA skills, when children were taught in small groups than individually or in classrooms, and when instruction lasted between 5 and 18 hours rather than longer. Classroom teachers were effective in teaching PA to their students. Effect sizes were larger for studies using more rigorous experimental designs, with rigor assessments drawn from Troia (1999). In sum, PA instruction was found to make a statistically significant contribution to reading acquisition. [See also a letter to the editors regarding this article, and the first author's response: http:dx.doi.org10.1598RRQ.37.2.1] Un meta-analisis cuantitativo que evaluo los efectos de la instruccion en conciencia fonemica (CF) sobre el aprendizaje de la lectura y la escritura fue llevado a cabo por el Panel Nacional de Lectura (National Reading Panel). Se tomaron 52 estudios, publicados en revistas con referato, que aportaron 96 casos en los que se comparo el resultado de los grupos de tratamiento y de control. El analisis de las magnitudes del efecto revelo que el impacto de la instruccion en CF sobre el desarrollo de la CF en los ninos fue grande y estadisticamente significativo (d = 0.86). La instruccion en CF ejercio un impacto moderado, estadisticamente significativo en la lectura (d = 0.53) y escritura (d = 0.59). No solo se beneficio la lectura de palabras, sino tambien la comprension lectora. La instruccion en CF impacto en la lectura, en todas las condiciones examinadas, sin embargo las magnitudes del efecto fueron mayores en algunas condiciones. La instruccion en CF ayudo a distintos tipos de ninos: lectores de desarrollo normal, lectores de riesgo y lectores con dificultades; ninos de jardin, preescolar y primer grado; ninos de NSE bajo y ninos de NSE medio-alto. La instruccion en CF mejoro la lectura pero no la escritura en los lectores con dificultades. La instruccion en CF fue mas efectiva cuando se realizo con apoyo de las letras que cuando no se ensenaron las letras, cuando se ensenaron una o dos habilidades de CF que cuando se ensenaron multiples habilidades, cuando se insruyo a los ninos en pequenos grupos que cuando se realizo individualmente o en el aula y cuando la instruccion duro entre 5 y 18 horas que cuando abarco mas tiempo. Los docentes fueron eficaces en la ensenanza de la CF a los estudiantes. Las magnitudes del efecto fueron mayores en los estudios que utilizaron disenos experimentales mas rigurosos, con evaluaciones de rigor tomadas de Troia (1999). En suma, se hallo que la instruccion en CF constituye una contribucion significativa a la adquisicion de la lectura. Eine quantitative Meta-Analyse, welche Auswirkungen phonischen Aufnahmebewusseins (PA) beim Erlernen des Lesens und Buchstabierens bewertet, wurde vom Nationalen Lesegremium durchgefuhrt. Es wurden 52 Studien in von Lehrern rezensierten Fachzeitschriften publiziert und diese nannten 96 Falle, bei denen die Ergebnisse von Anwendungs- und Kontrollgruppen verglichen wurden. Die Analyse uber Wirksamkeitsausmase ergab, das der Einflus von PA-Anweisungen in der Unterstutzung der Kinder beim Erwerb von PA gros und statistisch bedeutend (d = 0.86) war. PA-Anweisungen ubten einen ausgleichenden, statitisch bedeutsamen Einflus aufs Lesen (d = 0.53) und Buchstabieren (d = 0.59) aus. Nicht nur das Lesen von Wortern, sondern auch das Leseverstandnis wurde begunstigt. PA-Anweisungen beeinflusten das Lesen unter all den untersuchten Bedingungen, obwohl die Ausmase der Auswirkungen bei einigen Bedingungen groser waren. PA-Anweisungen halfen unterschiedlich gearteten Kindern: normal sich entwickelnde Leser, sowie auch risikobedingte und behinderte Leser; Vorschuler, Kindergartenteilnehmer und Erstklassler; Kinder der unteren Gundschulstufen (SES) als auch mittlerer und hoherer Grundschulstufen (SES). PA-Anweisungen verbesserten das Lesen, nicht jedoch das Buchstabieren bei behinderten Lesern. PA-Anweisungen waren wirksamer, wenn sie zusammen mit den Buchstaben statt ohne Buchstaben unterrichtet wurden, wenn jeweils eine oder zwei PA-Fertigkeiten statt ein Mehrfaches an PA-Fertigkeiten unterrichtet wurde, wenn Kinder in kleinen Gruppen statt einzeln unterrichtet oder in Klassenraumen, und wenn der Unterricht insgesamt zwischen 5 und 18 Stunden andauerte, statt langfristiger. Klassenlehrer waren beim Unterricht von PA erfolgreich mit ihren Schulern. Das Wirkungsausmas war unter Nutzung strengerer Experimentierplane fur den Unterricht groser, mit den von Troia (1999) abgeleiteten straffen Bewertungen. Zusammengefast fand man, das die PA-Anweisung einen statistisch nachweisbar bedeutenden Beitrag zum Erwerb von Lesefertigkeiten leisten. Une meta-analyse quantitative pour evaluer les effets de l'enseignement de la conscience phonemique (CP) sur l'apprentissage de la lecture et de l'ecriture a ete conduite par la Commission Nationale de Lecture. Elle a porte sur 52 etudes publiees dans des journaux a comite de redaction ayant conduit a 96 etudes comparant les resultats de groupes experimentaux et controles. L'analyse de l'importance des effets revele que l'enseignement de la CP sur le developpement de la CP a un impact large et statistiquement significatif (d = 0.86). L'enseignement de la CP a un effet modere, statistiquement significatif (d = 0.53) sur l'ecriture (d = 0.59). Non seulement la lecture de mots en beneficie mais egalement la comprehension. L'enseignement de la CP a un impact sur la lecture dans toutes les conditions examinees, bien que la taille de l'effet soit plus large dans certaines conditions. L'enseignement de la CP est une aide pour differents types d'enfants: aussi bien pour ceux qui apprennent a lire normalement que pour les enfants a risque et pour ceux qui ont des difficultes; pour les enfants d'ecole maternelle ou de premiere annee de primaire: pour les enfants de milieu social defavorise aussi bien que pour ceux de classe moyenne. L'enseignement de la CP facilite le developpement de la lecture mais pas celui de l'ecriture chez les enfants en difficulte. L'enseignement de la CP a plus d'effet quand il a lieu avec des lettres que sans lettres, quand on enseigne une ou deux competences de CP que de multiples competences de CP, quand il a lieu en petit groupe que individuellement ou en salle de classe, et quand l'enseignement dureentre 5 et 18 heures plutot que plus longtemps. L'enseignement de la CP en classe par des enseignants est efficace. La taille des effets est plus grande quand les etudes utilisent des plans experimentaux plus rigoureux, et des evaluations rigoureuses provenant de Troia (1999). En bref, il apparait que l'enseignement de la CP apporte une contribution statistiquement significative a l'acquisition de la lecture.

Aspergillosis case-fatality rate: systematic review of the literature.

Abstract: To update the case-fatality rate (CFR) associated with invasive aspergillosis according to underlying conditions, site of infection, and antifungal therapy, data were systematically reviewed and pooled from clinical trials, cohort or case-control studies, and case series of >/=10 patients with definite or probable aspergillosis. Subjects were 1941 patients described in studies published after 1995 that provided sufficient outcome data; cases included were identified by MEDLINE and EMBASE searches. The main outcome measure was the CFR. Fifty of 222 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall CFR was 58%, and the CFR was highest for bone marrow transplant recipients (86.7%) and for patients with central nervous system or disseminated aspergillosis (88.1%). Amphotericin B deoxycholate and lipid formulations of amphotericin B failed to prevent death in one-half to two-thirds of patients. Mortality is high despite improvements in diagnosis and despite the advent of newer formulations of amphotericin B. Underlying patient conditions and the site of infection remain important prognostic factors.

Measuring stigma in people with HIV: Psychometric assessment of the HIV stigma scale

Abstract: An instrument to measure the stigma perceived by people with HIV was developed based on the literature on stigma and psychosocial aspects of having HIV. Items surviving two rounds of content review were assembled in a booklet and distributed through HIV-related organizations across the United States. Psychometric analysis was performed on 318 questionnaires returned by people with HIV (19% women, 21% African American, 8% Hispanic). Four factors emerged from exploratory factor analysis: personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, negative self-image, and concern with public attitudes toward people with HIV. Extraction of one higher-order factor provided evidence of a single overall construct. Construct validity also was supported by relationships with related constructs: self-esteem, depression, social support, and social conflict. Coefficient alphas between .90 and .93 for the subscales and .96 for the 40-item instrument provided evidence of internal consistency reliability. The HIV Stigma Scale was reliable and valid with a large, diverse sample of people with HIV.

What do proactive people do? a longitudinal model linking proactive personality and career success

Abstract: We developed and tested a model linking proactive personality and career success through a set of four behavioral and cognitive mediators. A 2-year longitudinal design with data from a sample of 180 full-time employees and their supervisors was used. Results from structural equation modeling showed that proactive personality measured at Time 1 was positively related to innovation, political knowledge, and career initiative, but not voice; all measured at Time 2. Innovation, political knowledge, and career initiative in turn had positive relationships with career progression (salary growth and the number of promotions during the previous 2 years) and career satisfaction. Interestingly, voice had a negative relationship with career progression. We discuss practical implications and future research directions for proactive personality, extra-role behavior, and careers.

Development of gender differences in depression: an elaborated cognitive vulnerability-transactional stress theory.

Abstract: Descriptive epidemiological studies are reviewed, showing that the female preponderance in depression begins to emerge around age 13. A developmentally sensitive, elaborated cognitive vulnerability-transactional stress model of depression is proposed to explain the "big fact" of the emergence of the gender difference in depression. The elaborated causal chain posits that negative events contribute to initial elevations of general negative affect. Generic cognitive vulnerability factors then moderate the likelihood that the initial negative affect will progress to full-blown depression. Increases in depression can lead transactionally to more self-generated dependent negative life events and thus begin the causal chain again. Evidence is reviewed providing preliminary support for the model as an explanation for the development of the gender difference in depression during adolescence.

Growth retardation and increased apoptosis in mice with homozygous disruption of the akt1 gene

Abstract: The serine/threonine kinase Akt has been implicated in the control of cell survival and metabolism. Here we report the disruption of the most ubiquitously expressed member of the akt family of genes, akt1, in the mouse. Akt1−/− mice are viable but smaller when compared to wild-type littermates. In addition, the life span of Akt1−/− mice, upon exposure to genotoxic stress, is shorter. However, Akt1−/− mice do not display a diabetic phenotype. Increased spontaneous apoptosis in testes, and attenuation of spermatogenesis is observed in Akt1−/− male mice. Increased spontaneous apoptosis is also observed in the thymi of Akt1−/− mice, and Akt1−/− thymocytes are more sensitive to apoptosis induced by γ-irradiation and dexamethasone. Finally, Akt1−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) are more susceptible to apoptosis induced by TNF, anti-Fas, UV irradiation, and serum withdrawal.

Inhibition of early apoptotic events by Akt/PKB is dependent on the first committed step of glycolysis and mitochondrial hexokinase

Abstract: The serine/threonine kinase Akt/PKB is a major downstream effector of growth factor–mediated cell survival. Activated Akt, like Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, prevents closure of a PT pore component, the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC); intracellular acidification; mitochondrial hyperpolarization; and the decline in oxidative phosphorylation that precedes cytochrome c release. However, unlike Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, the ability of activated Akt to preserve mitochondrial integrity, and thereby inhibit apoptosis, requires glucose availability and is coupled to its metabolism. Hexokinases are known to bind to VDAC and directly couple intramitochondrial ATP synthesis to glucose metabolism. We provide evidence that such coupling serves as a downstream effector function for Akt. First, Akt increases mitochondria-associated hexokinase activity. Second, the antiapoptotic activity of Akt requires only the first committed step of glucose metabolism catalyzed by hexokinase. Finally, ectopic hexokinase expression mimics the ability of Akt to inhibit cytochrome c release and apoptosis. We therefore propose that Akt increases coupling of glucose metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation and regulates PT pore opening via the promotion of hexokinase-VDAC interaction at the outer mitochondrial membrane.

The cocktail party phenomenon revisited: The importance of working memory capacity.

Abstract: Wood and Cowan (1995) replicated and extended Moray’s (1959) investigation of thecocktail party phenomenon, which refers to a situation in which one can attend to only part of a noisy environment, yet highly pertinent stimuli such as one’s own name can suddenly capture attention. Both of these previous investigations have shown that approximately 33% of subjects report hearing their own name in an unattended, irrelevant message. Here we show that subjects who detect their name in the irrelevant message have relatively low working-memory capacities, suggesting that they have difficulty blocking out, or inhibiting, distracting information.

Arrhythmogenesis and contractile dysfunction in heart failure: Roles of sodium-calcium exchange, inward rectifier potassium current, and residual beta-adrenergic responsiveness.

Abstract: Ventricular arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction are the main causes of death in human heart failure (HF). In a rabbit HF model reproducing these same aspects of human HF, we demonstrate that a 2-fold functional upregulation of Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange (NaCaX) unloads sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) stores, reducing Ca(2+) transients and contractile function. Whereas beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) are progressively downregulated in HF, residual beta-AR responsiveness at this critical HF stage allows SR Ca(2+) load to increase, causing spontaneous SR Ca(2+) release and transient inward current carried by NaCaX. A given Ca(2+) release produces greater arrhythmogenic inward current in HF (as a result of NaCaX upregulation), and approximately 50% less Ca(2+) release is required to trigger an action potential in HF. The inward rectifier potassium current (I(K1)) is reduced by 49% in HF, and this allows greater depolarization for a given NaCaX current. Partially blocking I(K1) in control cells with barium mimics the greater depolarization for a given current injection seen in HF. Thus, we present data to support a novel paradigm in which changes in NaCaX and I(K1), and residual beta-AR responsiveness, conspire to greatly increase the propensity for triggered arrhythmias in HF. In addition, NaCaX upregulation appears to be a critical link between contractile dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis.

Innovation as newness: what is new, how new, and new to whom?

Abstract: Innovation implies newness. To define and measure innovation better, we investigated three dimensions of newness: what is new, how new, and new to whom? Drawing on prior research by Schumpeter and Kirzner, we developed a scale that addresses six areas of innovative activity: new products, new services, new methods of production, opening new markets, new sources of supply, and new ways of organizing. Using factor analysis on data from two separate field studies – 684 firms from eight industries and 200 information technology firms – we found that innovation as newness represents a unidimensional construct, distinguished only by the degree of radicalness.

Estrogen production and action

Abstract: Estradiol production is most commonly thought of as an endocrine product of the ovary; however, there are many tissues that have the capacity to synthesize estrogens from androgen and to use estrogen in a paracrine or intracrine fashion. In addition, other organs such as the adipose tissue can contribute significantly to the circulating pool of estrogens. There is increasing evidence that in both men and women extraglandular production of C(18) steroids from C(19) precursors is important in normal physiology as well as in pathophysiologic states. The enzyme aromatase is found in a number of human tissues and cells, including ovarian granulosa cells, the placental syncytiotrophoblast, adipose and skin fibroblasts, bone, and the brain, and it locally catalyzes the conversion of C(19) steroids to estrogens. Aromatase expression in adipose tissue and possibly the skin primarily accounts for the extraglandular (peripheral) formation of estrogen and increases as a function of body weight and advancing age. Sufficient circulating levels of the biologically active estrogen estradiol can be produced as a result of extraglandular aromatization of androstenedione to estrone that is subsequently reduced to estradiol in peripheral tissues to cause uterine bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in obese anovulatory or postmenopausal women. Extraglandular aromatase expression in adipose tissue and skin (via increasing circulating levels of estradiol) and bone (via increasing local estrogen concentrations) is of paramount importance in slowing the rate of postmenopausal bone loss. Moreover, excessive or inappropriate aromatase expression was demonstrated in adipose fibroblasts surrounding a breast carcinoma, endometriosis-derived stromal cells, and stromal cells in endometrial cancer, giving rise to increased local estrogen concentrations in these tissues. Whether systemically delivered or locally produced, elevated estrogen levels will promote the growth of these steroid-responsive tissues. Finally, local estrogen biosynthesis by aromatase activity in the brain may be important in the regulation of various cognitive and hypothalamic functions. The regulation of aromatase expression in human cells via alternatively used promoters, which can be activated or inhibited by various hormones, increases the complexity of estrogen biosynthesis in the human body. Aromatase expression is under the control of the classically located proximal promoter II in the ovary and a far distal promoter I.1 (40 kilobases upstream of the translation initiation site) in the placenta. In skin, the promoter is I.4. In adipose tissue, 2 other promoters (I.4 and I.3) located between I.1 and II are used in addition to the ovarian-type promoter II. In addition, promoter use in adipose fibroblasts switches between promoters II/I.3 and I.4 upon treatments of these cells with PGE(2) versus glucocorticoids plus cytokines. Moreover, the presence of a carcinoma in breast adipose tissue also causes a switch of promoter use from I.4 to II/I.3. Thus there can be complex mechanisms that regulate the extraglandular production of estrogen in a tissue-specific and state-specific fashion.

From MDR to MXR: new understanding of multidrug resistance systems, their properties and clinical significance.

Abstract: The ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of membrane transporters is one of the largest protein classes known, and counts numerous proteins involved in the trafficking of biological molecules across cell membranes. The first known human ABC transporter was P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which confers multidrug resistance (MDR) to anticancer drugs. In recent years, we have obtained an increased understanding of the mechanism of action of P-gp as its ATPase activity, substrate specificity and pharmacokinetic interactions have been investigated. This review focuses on the functional characterization of P-gp, as well as other ABC transporters involved in MDR: the family of multidrug-resistance-associated proteins (MRP1-7), and the recently discovered ABC half-transporter MXR (also known as BCRP, ABCP and ABCG2). We describe recent progress in the analysis of protein structure-function relationships, and consider the conceptual problem of defining and identifying substrates and inhibitors of MDR. An in-depth discussion follows of how coupling of nucleotide hydrolysis to substrate transport takes place, and we propose a scheme for the mechanism of P-gp function. Finally, the clinical correlations, both for reversal of MDR in cancer and for drug delivery, are discussed.

When Bad Things Turn Good and Good Things Turn Bad: Sequences of Redemption and Contamination in Life Narrative and their Relation to Psychosocial Adaptation in Midlife Adults and in Students

Abstract: Midlife adults (age 35 to 65) and college undergraduates provided lengthy, open-ended narrative accounts of personally meaningful episodes from the past, such as life-story high points, low points, turning points, and earliest memories. The oral (adult) and written (student) narratives were coded for redemption and contamination imagery. In the midlife sample, adults scoring high on self-report measures of generativity showed significantly higher levels of redemption and lower levels of contamination sequences. In both samples, redemption sequences in life narrative accounts were positively associated with self-report measures of psychological well-being, whereas contamination sequences predicted low levels of well-being among midlife adults. In addition, redemption sequence scores were a stronger predictor of well-being than were ratings of the overall affective quality of life-narrative accounts. The results are discussed with respect to the empirical literature of benefit-finding in the face of adversi...

Sources of support and expatriate performance: the mediating role of expatriate adjustment

Abstract: This study examined the role of 3 sources of support in facilitating expatriate adjustment and performance. A model was developed that examined the effects of perceived organizational support (POS), leader-member exchange (LMX), and spousal support on expatriates' adjustment to work, the country, and interacting with foreign nationals. In turn, it was expected that expatriate adjustment would influence expatriate task performance and contextual performance. The model was tested using a sample of 213 expatriate-supervisor dyads via structural equation modeling. The results indicated that POS had direct effects on expatriate adjustment, which in turn had direct effects on both dimensions of performance. Although LMX did not influence adjustment, it did have direct effects on expatriate task and contextual performance. Spousal support did not relate to adjustment or performance. Practical implications for facilitating expatriate adjustment and performance are discussed.

Education in the Moral Domain

Abstract: This book brings together the results of 25 years of research on the domain theory of social cognitive development. On the basis of that research - which shows that morality is a domain distinct from other social values - the author provides concrete suggestions for creating a moral classroom climate, dealing with student discipline, and integrating moral values within the curriculum. Among questions addressed are: Is morality a set of rules we acquire like any other? Are there universal aspects to morality, or is it culture specific? Is there such a thing as moral character? How best can teachers make use of our knowledge about children's moral and social growth in their everyday classroom practices? Integrated answers to these questions result in a comprehensive approach that does not reduce moral education to a process of induction or inculcation, but rather harnesses children's intrinsic motivation to comprehend and master their social worlds.

Development and validation of a multifactorial risk index for predicting postoperative pneumonia after major noncardiac surgery.

Abstract: The postoperative pneumonia risk index described in this paper identifies patients at risk for postoperative pneumonia and may be useful in guiding perioperative respiratory care.

A Longitudinal Study of Personality Change in Young Adulthood

Abstract: The present research examined personality continuity and change in a sample of young men and women assessed at the beginning and end of college. Two-hundred seventy students completed measures of the Big Five personality traits when they first entered college and then 4 years later. Analyses indicate small- to medium-sized normative (i.e., mean-level) changes, large rank-order stability correlations, high levels of stability in personality structure, and moderate levels of ipsative (i.e. profile) stability. Overall, the findings are consistent with the perspective that personality traits exhibit considerable continuity over time, yet can change in systematic ways.