Age differences in five personality domains across the life span.

Abstract

The present study addresses the issue of age differences in five personality domains across the lifespan in a cross-sectional study. In contrast to most previous studies, we followed a methodologically more rigorous approach to warrant that age-related differences in personality structure and mean-level can be meaningfully compared. We used data on 50 items of the Five-Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI) available from a study in a large and representative Dutch sample (N = 2494, age range: 16-91 years) conducted in 1996 for the purpose of establishing norms for the FFPI. After having established strict measurement invariance, we tested for factor covariances to be equal across age groups, and found structural continuity of personality. Additionally, factor variances were shown to be equal across age groups. A number of age differences in the mean-level of the five personality domains emerged. Specifically, older adults were, on average, more agreeable and, especially, more conscientious than middle-aged and younger adults. Findings from our study suggest that both continuity and change may mark personality over the course of life. The present study addresses the issue of age differences in five personality domains across the lifespan in a cross-sectional study. In contrast to most previous studies, we followed a methodologically more rigorous approach to warrant that age-related differences in personality structure and mean-level can be meaningfully compared. We used data on 50 items of the Five-Factor Personality Inventory (FFPI) available from a study in a large and representative Dutch sample (N = 2494, age range: 16-91 years) conducted in 1996 for the purpose of establishing norms for the FFPI. After having established strict measurement invariance, we tested for factor covariances to be equal across age groups, and found structural continuity of personality. Additionally, factor variances were shown to be equal across age groups. A number of age differences in the mean-level of the five personality domains emerged. Specifically, older adults were, on average, more agreeable and, especially, more conscientious than middle-aged and younger adults. Findings from our study suggest that both continuity and change may mark personality over the course of life.

Personality trait development in midlife: exploring the impact of psychological turning points

“…For example, research has shown that personality traits demonstrate relatively high structural stability, i.e., constant correlations among personality factors within measurement occasions, implying that the positioning of traits relative to each other remains stable and are unaffected by age and aging (Allemand et al 2008(Allemand et al , 2007. Moreover, research demonstrated high levels of rank-order stability, i.e., high correlations within personality factors across measurement occasions, implying that individuals keep their ranking in a reference group over time (Roberts and DelVecchio 2000;Terracciano et al 2006).…”

Tracking the trajectory of shame, guilt, and pride across the life span.

“…The available cross-sectional and longitudinal data indicate that agreeableness increases across the life span (Allemand, Zimprich, & Hendriks, 2008;Donnellan & Lucas, 2008;Terracciano et al, 2005); conscientiousness increases throughout the adult life span (Allemand et al, 2008; or increases from young adulthood to midlife and then decreases during old age (Donnellan & Lucas, 2008;Terracciano et al, 2005); empathy remains stable across the life span (Grühn, Rebucal, Diehl, Lumley, & Labouvie-Vief, 2008); and narcissism decreases from young adulthood to midlife (Foster, Campbell, & Twenge, 2003). Overall, these life-span trajectories reflect movement toward higher levels of maturity with increasing age, a phenomenon Roberts and his colleagues have labeled the "maturity principle" (B. W. Roberts & Mroczek, 2008;B.…”

Validation of the French Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and its relationship with personality traits and impulsivity

“…Only the kurtosis values of the dedication and of the total scales of UWES-9 were slightly above 1. Correlations with age were calculated given that personality traits can vary as a function of age: a decrease in neuroticism, and increases in conscientiousness and agreeableness were observed with age (Allemand, Zimprich, & Hendriks, 2008;Soto, John, Gosling, & Potter, 2011). Small correlations with age in terms of effect size (r ≥ |.10|) were observed for vigor and the total UWES scores with the brief 9-item version.…”