Are young people less dependable than their parents? Survey points to a decline in conscientiousness

A recent study by the University of Southern California has found a sharp decline in conscientiousness, the personality trait linked to dependability and dutifulness, among younger generations, reported The Times of India. The drop is most pronounced in those under 40, raising questions about whether youth today are harder to rely on compared to their parents, it added.

The findings, based on surveys spanning a decade, show that the under-40 group now scores the lowest on conscientiousness compared to older age groups. They have also registered declines in agreeableness, the trait linked to kindness and trust — and extroversion, while showing higher levels of neuroticism, meaning they are more prone to stress and mood fluctuations.

“This isn’t just about personality differences,” the study notes. “Conscientiousness influences academic and professional performance, teamwork, and even relationship satisfaction.”


Experts suggest that broader social changes may play a role. New York Times columnist David Brooks has described Gen Z as “the most rejected generation,” pointing to economic precarity, competitive job markets, and uncertain futures. Such factors could explain why younger people today appear less anchored, less socially invested, and more inward-focused.

“Conscientiousness is rooted in a sense of belonging, to a community, workplace, or cause,” says the study. “When that sense erodes, so does dependability.” This has implications for teamwork, civic life, and even marriage, where reliability forms the bedrock of trust.

Yet, there is hope. Research shows that conscientiousness can be strengthened through habit change and new routines. Interventions focusing on building daily structure and meaningful social engagement have shown promising results.

The conversation about declining morality and dependability is not new. A 2023 study in Nature found that people in over 60 countries believe morality is in decline, attributing it both to aging and generational change. What is different now, experts say, is the possible link to the uncertainty and challenges faced by today’s youth, a factor that could reshape personality traits for generations to come.

With inputs from ToI