Notes

Outline

Personality and aging

Slide 2

Relationship to previous areas Influence of cognition and health on personality Ability to make predictions about personality Personality influences on cognition Creativity and flexibility

Theoretical issues Stability of personality Extreme example – “multiple personality” disorder Personality as defining characteristic of self Implications of saying personality can change Does it make sense to study effects of aging

Stereotypes More withdrawn (less extraverted, more introverted) Cranky (less tolerant) More opinionated (less flexible)

General questions Does personality change with age? If yes, is change similar in all people? All aspects change?

Definition/Nature of personality Stable – short term vs. long-term Predisposition (not guaruntee) of behavior “Type A” example Powerful predictor Conscious vs. Unconscious

Components of personality Character- standards and ethics Relationship style Preoccupations Cognitive style

Methodological concerns Cross sectional vs. longitudinal? Problems with cross sectional Problems with longitudinal Which to select

Methods of studying Observation and need for inference Direct observation Advantages Disadvantages Self reports Advantages Disadvantages Kitty Genovese example Paper and pencil tests Projective tests Rorschach

Trial and error approaches MMPI Example: question that best predicts extraversion Advantages Disadvantages

Theoretical framework Stage theories Generally don’t address older adults Eric Erikson Personality determined by series of conflicts Stage 6 (young adult: intimacy vs. isolation) compromises Stage 7 (adulthood):  sacrifice vs. personal satisfaction Kids Stage 8 (older adulthood):  fear of death vs. life satisfaction How answer three questions of personality of aging Does it? Same for all? All components?

Stage theories and components of personality Example: Puberty vs. Retirement Character (goals) Preoccupations Relationships Thinking

Misapplication of stage theories Mid-life crisis General belief Actual data

Trait theories of personality General idea How answer questions of age and personality

Trait approach to personality Certain traits “go together” Example: Who is more likely to be extraverted? John: John is very implusive, often deciding at the last minute to change plans that he’s had for a long time. Jim:  Jim is very thoughtful about actions, rarely does things without considering all consequences. Persistence of personality characteristics First impressions

Common traits Locus of control Explanation Internal vs. external locus of control Locus of control vs. autonomy Internal locus of control and young Could internal locus of control be bad for older Age findings Evidence for more internal LOC with age? Area dependence for age changes in LOC Memory and physical changes Forming new relationships

Introversion and extraversion Characteristics of each Results from older studies More current research Predictors of introversion/extraversion in old

Gender roles Effects of age on males Effects of age on females Possible explanations for changes Child rearing when young Evidence Reactions to empty nest (leaving college) Who more upset mother/father Importance of age related changes in gender roles Changes in personality as function of having children Which show more personality change

Costa and McRae-Five factor theory Five components of personality Neuroticism Extraversion Openness to experience Conscientiousness agreeableness Age changes in these?

Disengagement theory General idea Good or bad Implications Mandatory retirement Recent evidence

Summary of age and personality Question 1 – Does it change? Question 2 – Change same for all people? Question 3 – All areas change?