Social support mediates the relationships between extraversion, neuroticism, and cognitive function in older adults

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social Psychology

Background:

• Existing research indicates a connection between social support and cognitive function in older adults.
• Personality traits may influence both social support and cognitive function.
• The mediating role of social support in the personality-cognitive function relationship requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine social support as a mediator between personality (extraversion, neuroticism) and cognitive function in adults over 60.
• To investigate personality as an antecedent to both social support and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Observational cohort study with 624 adults aged over 60.
• Social support assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale.
• Half-longitudinal mediation analysis using structural equation modeling over a 2-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Lower levels of extraversion were directly associated with higher cognitive function.
• Social support partially mediated the relationship between both extraversion and neuroticism and cognitive function.
• Indirect effects were observed through support from friends, relatives, and neighbors.

Conclusions:

• Social support may be a viable target for interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function in at-risk older adults.
• Findings contribute to the empirical understanding of the interplay between personality, social support, and cognitive aging.