Three of the Big Five traits (E, C, N) were related to lower reasoning ability.
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Higher levels of Openness were associated with better reasoning ability.
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Agreeableness was not related to reasoning ability.
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No personality trait was related to rate of change in reasoning ability.
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Personality relates to differences in cognitive levels between older adults.
Abstract
We examined the association between personality and level and change in reasoning ability in a population-based sample of older adults (62–68 years) using a three-year annual follow-up longitudinal study design (HEARTS; N = 3851). Personality traits were measured using the Mini-IPIP scale and reasoning using a short form of Raven’s Matrices. Findings from a structural equation model, controlling for age, education, and sex, revealed that higher levels on extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism were associated with lower reasoning ability (βs: −0.17 to −0.09). Higher levels of openness were associated with better reasoning (β: 0.16). We found no association with rate of change. This evidence replicates previous findings demonstrating that personality traits are associated with individual differences in cognition among older adults.
