Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
14.3K
Personality Structure Among Centenarians: The Georgia Centenarian Study
Adam Davey1, Ilene C Siegler, Peter Martin
1a Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics , Temple University , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA.
Experimental Aging Research
|July 28, 2015
Summary
Personality structure in centenarians aligns with general population norms. However, lower cognitive functioning in the oldest old is linked to higher neuroticism and lower openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Observer-rated personality structure in centenarians is congruent with normative structures.
- Cognitive impairment is prevalent in centenarians and necessitates observer ratings for valid data.
- The wide range of cognitive functioning requires synthesizing results across multiple cognitive measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the personality structure in centenarians.
- To investigate the relationship between personality traits and cognitive functioning in centenarians.
- To provide normative, population-based data on personality in extreme old age.
Main Methods:
- Data from 161 participants in the Georgia Centenarian Study (GCS) were analyzed.
- Observer ratings were used to assess personality structure.
- Multivariate factor-level and facet-level models were employed to analyze personality and cognitive functioning.
Main Results:
- Personality structure in centenarians strongly corresponded with reference structures (full sample: .94).
- Centenarians with lower cognitive functioning exhibited higher neuroticism and lower openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
- Neuroticism was the only broad personality factor predicting cognitive impairment; specific facets also showed significant associations.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first normative population-based data on personality structure in centenarians.
- Findings suggest a potential role for neuroticism in cognitive impairment among the oldest old.
- Specific personality facets may be indicative of cognitive decline in centenarian populations.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
1.7K
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,...
1.7K
01:30Social Cognitive Perspective on Personality
1.4K
Social cognitive perspectives on personality emphasize the importance of conscious awareness, beliefs, expectations, and goals in shaping behavior. These perspectives incorporate behaviorist principles, such as learning through reinforcement and conditioning, but extend beyond them by highlighting human reasoning and planning. Unlike traditional behaviorist views, social cognitive theory focuses on how individuals reflect on their past experiences and plan for future outcomes by considering...
1.4K
01:29Introduction to Personality Psychology
29.1K
Personality encompasses a set of enduring traits and behavioral patterns that define how individuals think, feel, and interact, ultimately shaping their unique identities. The concept of personality has deep historical roots, deriving from the Latin term "persona," which means "mask." This term initially referred to the roles played by actors in ancient theater, signifying the different facets individuals display in various contexts.
Early Theories of Personality
The study of...
Early Theories of Personality
The study of...
29.1K
01:27Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
1.4K
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development outlines a series of stages through which individuals progress across the lifespan. Each stage involves a psychosocial conflict that significantly influences personal growth and well-being. Three key stages — intimacy versus isolation, generativity versus stagnation, and integrity versus despair — highlight the developmental challenges faced in adulthood.
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early...
1.4K
01:29Five-Factor Theory of Personality
2.3K
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...
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...
2.3K
01:24Cattell's 16 Personality Factors
3.2K
Raymond Cattell's trait theory offers a structured framework for understanding personality by distinguishing between two critical traits: surface and source traits. Surface traits are observable patterns of behavior, such as indecisiveness, anxiety, and irrational fears. These traits are less stable, varying across situations and over time. This means that they are less helpful in understanding the deeper aspects of an individual's personality.
In contrast, source traits are the...
In contrast, source traits are the...
3.2K