Personality, life events and coping in the oldest-old

Int J Aging Hum Dev. 1992;34(1):19-30. doi: 10.2190/2AM4-7GTQ-NJ46-9J1X.

Abstract

This paper compares older adults in their sixties, eighties, and 100s on personality, experience of life events, and coping. A secondary goal was to test a structural model of adaptation. Participants (165) filled out a personality inventory, life-event lists, and coping and mental health measures. Results revealed differences in personality: centenarians scored higher on dominance, suspiciousness, and imagination. While centenarians scored lower on active behavioral coping than other age groups, they used cognitive strategies when coping with health and family events. Results from the structural equation model indicated that extraversion and anxiety predicted morale and mental health.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Extraversion, Psychological
  • Female
  • Geriatric Assessment
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Morale
  • Personality Inventory
  • Personality*
  • Problem Solving
  • Social Dominance