The role of neuroticism in the association between performance-based and self-reported measures of mobility.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examined the role of neuroticism in older individuals' self-reports of mobility. The authors hypothesized that neuroticism would modify the association between performance-based and self-reported measures of mobility.


METHODS
Using a stratified sample of 459 community-dwelling elders, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to assess the effects of physical performance and neuroticism in predicting self-reported mobility.


RESULTS
Composite measures of lower body performance and self-reported mobility had a moderate correlation. In the regression model of self-reported mobility, neuroticism had both a direct effect and an interaction effect with physical performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Given a certain level of physical performance, individuals who scored high on neuroticism were more likely to report disability. Also, the combination of poor performance and high neuroticism increased self-reported disability. The findings suggest that neuroticism may play an important role in subjective perception and should be considered in the interpretation of data based on self-reports.
Jang
Yuri
Y
University of South Florida, USA. yjang@geron.uga.edu
Mortimer
James A
JA
Haley
William E
WE
Graves
Amy Borenstein
AB
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States