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.