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Wisdom and Psychosocial Functioning in Later Life
Paul Wink1, Ursula M Staudinger2
1Wellesley College.
Journal of Personality
|December 30, 2014
Summary
This study found that wisdom-related performance in older adults is linked to personality traits like openness and conscientiousness, and a concern for others. Personal growth significantly mediates these connections, highlighting its role in wisdom development.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Personality Science
Background:
- Understanding the interplay between wisdom, personality, and generativity is crucial for comprehending successful aging.
- Previous research has explored these constructs individually, but their interrelations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between wisdom-related performance (WRP), personality traits, and generativity in older adults.
- To elucidate the mediating role of personal growth in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the performance-based Berlin Wisdom Paradigm to assess WRP.
- Employed self-report measures for personality components (Openness to Experience, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism) and generativity.
- Conducted latent path analysis to investigate mediating effects.
Main Results:
- WRP positively correlated with growth (Openness, well-being, purpose, autonomy), adjustment (life satisfaction, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, low Neuroticism, positive relations, self-acceptance, mastery), and generativity.
- Personal growth mediated the associations between adjustment and wisdom, and between generativity and wisdom.
Conclusions:
- Wise individuals exhibit a balance of personal strengths integrated within a personality style focused on maturity and personal growth.
- Personal growth is a key factor linking personality adjustment and generativity to wisdom in later life.
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