Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Neuroticism, extraversion, and motor function in community-dwelling older persons.
Aron S Buchman1, Patricia A Boyle, Robert S Wilson
1Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Aron_S_Buchman@rush.edu
Summary
Higher neuroticism and lower extraversion are linked to faster motor decline in older adults. This accelerated decline is associated with an increased risk of death, highlighting the importance of personality in aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Personality traits influence health outcomes in older adults.
- The relationship between personality and motor function decline is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between neuroticism and extraversion and motor decline in older individuals.
- To test the hypothesis that these personality traits predict motor function changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational cohort study of 983 older adults without dementia.
- Baseline assessment of neuroticism and extraversion.
- Annual assessment of 18 motor measures, summarized into a composite score over a 5-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Higher neuroticism scores were associated with a >20% faster annual rate of motor decline.
- Lower extraversion scores were associated with an 8% faster annual rate of motor decline.
- Both personality traits were independently associated with motor decline, even after controlling for depressive symptoms and health status.
Conclusions:
- Elevated neuroticism and reduced extraversion are significant predictors of accelerated motor decline in aging.
- This motor decline is linked to increased mortality risk.
- Cognitive and social activities may partially mediate these associations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and Emotional...
Neuroticism and Emotional...
01:27Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Age-related pharmacokinetic changes are extensively documented, but understanding age-related pharmacodynamic alterations is relatively limited. This knowledge gap can be partly attributed to the complexity of developing appropriate measures of drug responses compared to bioanalytical methods for determining drug concentrations.Most information regarding age-related differences in human pharmacodynamics originates from cross-sectional studies. However, these studies assume that observed mean...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
01:29Five-Factor Theory of Personality
The five-factor model, often called the Big Five personality traits, is widely accepted in psychology as a comprehensive framework for understanding personality. These five traits — Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism — are often remembered using the acronym OCEAN.
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent thinkers. Low...