From Schooldays to Golden Years: Intelligence Personality Stability

From Schooldays to Golden Years: Intelligence and Personality Stability

Sandra Carroll

Ashford University

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

Instructor Lisa Voorhees

February 9, 2014

From Schooldays to Golden Years: Intelligence and Personality Stability

I. A combination of findings is congruous with the relative objectivity that personality traits illustrate consecuation over a lifespan, yet demonstrate methodical changes along the way. Lifespan development emphasizes both stability and transition. Personality may gradually stabilize with age, but some individual inclinations are more characterized by stability and become more a part of typical personality traits than others.

A. A longitudinal study conducted by Field, D. and Millsap, R. E. (1991) of elderly persons found “evidence of personality development, even in advanced old age. Five traits, similar to traits found in younger persons, were identified. Although considerable continuity was found, change also was apparent.” (P299-P308)

B. Personality stability is due largely to genetic factors, and although some evidence for genetic influence on personality change is observed, an analysis conducted by McGue, Matt; Bacon, Steven; Lykken, David T.change (Jan 1993) was determined largely by environmental factors. “It is concluded that the stable core of personality is strongly associated with genetic factors but that personality change largely reflects environmental factors.” (Vol 29(1), , 96-109)

1. An increase in agreeableness was observed for the old-old, bringing their scores up to the level maintained by the oldest-old. Two traits were stable: satisfaction (65% did not change reliably) and intellect (63% did not change reliably). A decline in extraversion occurred in both age groups. Energetic, in which 40% declined, may be more affected than the other traits by external, environmental circumstances as stated by Field, D., Millsap, R. E., Gerontol, J. (1991) 46 (6): (P299-P308)

II. In...