Stability and change of personality in old age and its relation to survival.
Stability of personality characteristics with increasing age was analyzed in a Swedish longitudinal study using a modified version of the Rod-and-Frame Test. This test was analyzed in a serial manner in order to emphasize cognitive style. Two important findings emerged. First, during the 6 years between the ages of 67 and 73, 80% of the study participants showed stability in the field independence-dependence dimension. Second, stability of the field independence-dependence trait between ages 67 and 73 predicted survival to age 83, whereas destabilization (i.e., changes of Rod-and-Frame Test classification) was significantly associated with earlier death. In most cases, destabilization meant that field-independent subjects became field dependent. The results are discussed in relation to dispositional and situational factors. Causative factors for destabilization are hypothesized.
Hagberg
B
B
Gerontology Research Centre, Lund, Sweden.
Samuelsson
G
G
Lindberg
B
B
Dehlin
O
O
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005364:Field Dependence-Independence; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010551:Personality; D012737:Sex Factors; D015996:Survival Rate