Stability in extraversion and aspects of social support at midlife

This investigation used participants from the University of North Carolina Alumni Heart Study in an exploration of extraversion and aspects of social support at midlife. Results indicated that extraversion measured at college entry and at midlife was positively correlated with social activity and perceived social support measured later in middle adulthood. Multiple regression correlational analyses suggested that both the stable and changing components of extraversion influence structural and functional aspects of social support. Further, the changing component of extraversion was found to be significantly associated with greater social activity, perceived social support, and an increased likelihood of seeking support when faced with a stressful problem in middle adulthood. Overall, the development of sociability and outgoingness in interpersonal relationships during adolescence and young adulthood is suggested to be an important antecedent of the structural characteristics and functional dynamics of social support at midlife.