Social support has been shown to buffer the relationship between life stress and psychological distress in late life. However, little attention has been paid to personality variables that are associated with the capacity to effectively utilize social support. Although the buffering effects of social support were replicated in our sample of 134…

This study examined the associations between trait routinization and functional and cognitive as well as demographic indicators. A sample of American older adults living independently in a retirement community (n = 80) were assessed regarding their functional status, cognitive status, and preference for routine. Robust associations between…

The coping styles of four ethnic groups of older adults in response to negative life events were analyzed in a population-based study of 1118 residents of Brooklyn, New York. Using a molecular approach, data regarding the context of events and the corresponding coping responses was obtained. Open-ended semi-structured interviews allowed…

This qualitative study provides a comprehensive account of the social and life experiences and strategies and personality attributes that characterize exceptional longevity (living to 100 or over). It is based on nine semi-structured interviews of relatively healthy and functional Greek centenarians of both sexes. The analytic approach was…

The concept of "successful aging" is a contested discourse in gerontology. Two conflicting paradigms dominate the discussion: a health promotion activity model, and a model critical of the concept of successful aging. However, this study takes a different perspective and proposes that perhaps we have been striving for the wrong goal. The true…

Many studies point out the importance of marital satisfaction for well-being. However, although being married is still the norm in middle and old age, research on the determinants of marital satisfaction has neglected long-term marriages. While research on short-term marriages mainly focuses on partner fit (e.g., in personality traits and…

Surveyed young, middle-aged, and elderly New Zealand adults (n=155) as to correct age at which to attain certain milestones in life such as getting married, or to manifest various personality traits, such as being ambitious. In general there was considerable agreement as to when a person should attain milestones, but little agreement about…

Compared sex role characteristics and related personality traits in four age groups of women. In general, younger women were least like the traditional feminine sex role stereotype; they were more willing to ascribe masculine sex role characteristics to themselves. Older women adhered most strongly to conventional feminine traits. (JAC)

Examined whether personality is related to attitudes toward older people in 228 college students, 78 of whom were working with older people in professional capacities. Results indicated a constellation of personality traits was related to attitudes toward older people, including low anxiety traits, sensitive-intuition traits, and intellectual…

Used biographical approach in interviews investigating life themes, experiences, and personality styles in older adults (n=15). Developed typology that distinguished individual life patterns (specific life themes and events) and age style (personality traits). Presents three case histories illustrating each major life pattern found in interviews.…

Creates framework through which everyday experiences of psychological time might be interpreted. Elaborates on Raynor's concept of time-linked sources of self-identity to include intergenerational-linked and timeless sources of self-identity in quest to feel good about oneself. Includes case examples of how eight elderly persons viewed their…

Examined validity of the postulated perceptual style-personality dimension of modulation of stimulus intensity in two elderly samples. Results indicated a significant linear relationship between kinesthetic aftereffect and degree of social engagement, life attitudes, and items previously validated with young adults. Discusses implications for…

A study of college students showed that persons scoring higher in aggression demonstrated more negative attitudes toward the aged. Females, older students, and graduate students were more positive. Students majoring in business subjects tended to be more negative, while social work students had the most positive attitudes toward older people.…

Explored relationship between personality and exercise over the life span using young adult personality characteristics to predict current exercise behavior in late middle-aged college graduates (N=156). Found personality variables improved classification accuracy in discriminant analysis, and especially improved identification of frequent…

Surveyed Voltaire's 50 plays to examine traits and roles assigned to elderly, influence of genre and author's age on portrayals, and factors to which elder's traits were attributed. Found elderly portrayed more favorably in tragedy than in comedy; no effect of period of life on portrayals. Wisdom was only trait consistently and specifically…