Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
The impact of psychological attributes on changes in disability among low-functioning older persons
G I Kempen1, E van Sonderen, J Ormel
1Northern Centre for Healthcare Research, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. g.kempen@medsoc.unimaas.nl
Abstract:
We studied the impact of four psychological attributes (neuroticism, extraversion, mastery or perceived control, and general self-efficacy expectancies) on changes in disability in a community-based sample of 575 low-functioning elderly persons between 1993 and 1995. Unlike elderly persons with low or medium levels of mastery and general self-efficacy expectancies, older persons with high levels of such attributes showed no significant increase of disability between 1993 and 1995. However, multivariate analyses showed only unique contributions of mastery to changes in disability. Neuroticism and extraversion were found to be not related to changes in disability, supporting previous research outcomes. Findings highlight that, particularly, feelings of perceived control are crucial for maintaining functional ability in later life.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Intellectual Disability
Impact of Social Context on Individuals

