Question about titles

Do titles affect the stat gains of characters before they join? I know that the title a character has when you beat the game is the title they start with on New Game Plus, but are their stats when they join based on what they would be if they leveled up with that title, or are they just based on the initial title they start with in a first run? I know title bonuses aren't that important, because there isn't a single enemy you can't beat with the initial/costume title growth, I was just wondering, because, if not, I'm not gonna bother with changing titles until characters join the party. Thanks, in advance, for any information.

I think Phaelin did the grunt work on this, but the short answer to your question is yes. Titles affect character growth even when they aren't in your party.