Cognitive abilities and personality traits in old age across four years: More stability than change

Personality and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living in old age: Reciprocal associations across 12 years

Personality traits have been reported to predict difficulties in performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in old age, such as preparing meals or shopping. However, little is known about the reciprocal effects on personality. In this study, we examined bidirectional relationships between personality traits and the capacity to perform IADL using four waves of longitudinal data from 3540 older adults (aged 65 years and older) from the Health and Retirement Study. We applied a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model to separate between- and within-person effects across time and compared it to a traditional cross-lagged panel model. At the between-person level, higher neuroticism and lower conscientiousness were associated with more IADL limitations. Within individuals across time, increases in neuroticism and decreases in conscientiousness and extraversion were associated with increases in IADL limitations 4 years later. In contrast, increases in IADL limitations only predicted increases in neuroticism and decreases in extraversion. These results indicate that some personality traits affect and are affected by limitations in functional capacities in old age. Results of the within-person model build a strong foundation for future personality interventions as a pathway to maintain high functioning in old age.

Mind-Body Practice, Personality Traits, and Cognitive Performance: A 10-Years Study in US Adults

It is widely established that physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, and accumulating evidence suggests that mind-body practice (MBP, e.g., movement therapies such as yoga) may yield similar benefits. Personality is related to both daily activities and cognition, but its role in the association between MBP and cognition is not well understood. Using data from waves 2 and 3 (2004–2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, the current study examines bidirectional temporal associations between personality traits, MBP, and cognition in healthy adults (N = 2050). We applied a cross-lagged regression analysis to examine bidirectional effects between MBP, Big Five personality traits, and two cognitive domains (episodic memory and executive function) and controlled for relevant variables (sociodemographic factors, health, and functional status) at wave 2. MBP at baseline was independently associated with more favorable change in episodic memory, but not in executive function, both before and after including control variables. Also, episodic memory and executive function at baseline were related to increase in MBP. The findings show that MBP and cognitive function predict each other over time. There is also some evidence for cognition and personality associations over time; however, personality traits are not related to subsequent MBP.

Personality Change Profiles and Changes in Cognition Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Research on the relationship between personality traits and cognitive abilities has primarily used cross-sectional designs and considered personality traits individually in relation to cognitive dimensions. This study (N = 2,652) examined the relationship between Big Five personality change profiles and change in cognitive factors, episodic memory and executive functioning. Latent profile analysis was used to capture patterns of change across the Big Five traits. Three profiles of personality change were defined: Decreasers, Maintainers, and Increasers. The Decreasers declined more in episodic memory compared to the Increasers and Maintainers. Also, the Decreasers declined more in executive functioning compared to the Increasers, but not the Maintainers. The findings advance our understanding of the links between patterns of personality change and cognitive aging.

Associations Between Cognitive Abilities and 20-Year Personality Changes in Older Adults in the ILSE Study: Does Health Matter?

OBJECTIVES

We used data from the Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study on Adult Development (ILSE study) to investigate whether associations of cognitive abilities with late-life personality changes are moderated by individuals' physical health.

METHOD

Individuals born between 1930 and 1932 (n = 473; mean baseline age: 62.87 years) were assessed up to four times over a period of about 20 years (M = 20.34 years). Cognitive abilities were assessed based on multiple tests representing various cognitive functions. In addition, the Big Five personality traits were measured. Study participants' health was rated by a physician based on several in-depth medical examinations.

RESULTS

Health appeared as a significant moderator of the associations between cognitive abilities and personality trajectories: First, lower cognitive abilities were associated with an increase in neuroticism in individuals with poor health, but not in those with good health. Second, lower cognitive abilities were related with an increase in agreeableness in older adults with good health, but with a decrease in agreeableness among those with poor health. Third, better cognitive abilities were associated with stability in conscientiousness, but only among individuals with poorer health.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that once health is compromised, cognitive abilities may become a compensatory resource to prevent undesirable personality changes.