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Aging and heterogeneity: genetics, social structure, and personality
J M Light1, J S Grigsby, M C Bligh
1Vermont Alcohol Research Center, Colchester, VT 05446, USA. JLIGHT@VARC.EDU
The Gerontologist
|April 1, 1996
Summary
As people age, their personality differences grow. This study explores individual differences, social structures, and genetics, concluding all are vital for understanding personality heterogeneity in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Sociology
Background:
- Life-course studies indicate increasing personality differentiation within birth cohorts over time.
- Understanding the drivers of this macro-level phenomenon requires examining micro-level processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore explanations for increasing personality heterogeneity in aging populations.
- To synthesize three distinct research traditions: individual differentiation, social structure/allocation, and behavioral genetics.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of empirical evidence from three micro-level research traditions.
- Development of a model integrating individual, social, and genetic factors.
- Analysis of potential limitations in study designs within each tradition.
Main Results:
- Each research tradition (individual differentiation, social structure, behavioral genetics) provides credible support for explaining personality heterogeneity.
- No single tradition is sufficient; a comprehensive understanding requires integrating all three approaches.
Conclusions:
- A synthesized model incorporating individual, social, and genetic factors is necessary for a complete understanding of personality development across the lifespan.
- Future research designs must account for multiple influences to avoid erroneous conclusions about variation and covariation.