Stability and change of personality across the life course
Premise/hypothesis of the study
The main premise of this study lay in whether or not personality changes based on age was due to an individual’s intrinsic maturation or was a result of major life experiences that affected them in some way. It was the assumption of the researchers involved that as a person ages this distinctly affects their personality, behavior, and mannerism and that such changes are inherently brought about due to age. They also accommodate other possible external sources of change such as experiences and social environments as facilitators of such change as well.
Research design and sample
The research design was quite simple, utilizing 14,718 studies of Germans across a variety of age groups, social classes, and educational background the study utilized data obtained from SOEP which is a long term longitudinal survey of German households which examined various aspects changes in behaviors, attitudes, perceptions, etc. The study examined changes in the big 5 personality traits, namely: emotional stability, extraversion, openness, and agreeableness, and how these changed over time in the various individual’s chosen.
Key study findings
The result showed mixed results wherein it was shown that while age was a definite factor in changes in personality trait which reached a peak when an individual was 40 to 60 and declined shortly thereafter, the study also revealed that environmental effects, which can be classified into social demands and experiences, played a significant factor in affecting an individual’s personality trait. These findings are particularly important to consider given their impact in understanding how certain social groups transition from a set of personality mixes to another.
Discussion of findings
This study is particularly significant since it provides insight as to how age groups transition from a set of personality traits to another. It is already a well-known fact that people change as they age however little has been done to qualitatively determine how such changes occur and why. This study helps to resolve that issue and shows how maturation and environmental effects combine to affect an individual.
Study strengths
The strength of this study lay in its use of a vast collection of subjects to prove the veracity of the hypothesis of the researchers. When combined with the sheer amount of research shown it can be stated that the results are beyond reproach in their accuracy and attention to detail.
Study limitations
The limitations of this study are connected to its rather limited use of the German population which cannot be considered an effective determinant of all changes in personality traits for people of all races and cultures. For example, American culture, British culture, and Filipino culture are all distinctly different and as such there could be distinct changes in the results of the study.
Need for further research?
There is a definite need for further research to determine whether the results seen in the German case study can be applied to all cultures.
Why this study is critical research?
This study can be considered critical research given its impact in helping to understand how certain segments of society change over time and what factors are inherently responsible for such changes.
Discussion Question
Do you think the results of the study can be applied to all cultures and societies as a whole or are the results primarily isolated to the case of the German case study?
Personality and Obesity Across the Adult Life
Premise/hypothesis of the study
The main premise of this study lay in assuming that personality traits contributed to health outcomes and as such people who weigh considerably more or were obese can be considered victims of adverse personality traits which as a result causes them to eat.
Research design and sample
The research design in this particular case involved a comprehensive examination of 14,531 results obtained from a 50-year longitudinal study of various individuals in which their BMI and changes in their personality index were examined to find a correlation between bodyweight and the emergence of distinctive personality traits.
Key study findings
First and foremost it must be noted that a key research finding of the study was that BMI was mostly unrelated to changes in personality traits, however, it did show that individuals who had higher results on Neuroticism or Extraversion or lower on Conscientiousness had higher BMI. The study also examined aspects related to impulsivity and was able to show that individuals who weighed more (11 kg more than those in the bottom 10%) were more likely to be impulsive.
Lastly, traits related to agreeableness and impulsiveness were shown to increase throughout an adult lifespan as that individual’s weight increased. When considering all these factors it can be seen that weight game among certain individuals may be due to inherent personality traits which cause them to gain weight as a direct result of adverse psychological effects.
Discussion of findings
When examining the findings of this study, it can be seen that it greatly contributes to understanding the correlation between personality and obesity wherein so individuals who display certain traits (as shown in the study) have a higher propensity to be obese. As such, this shows potential in being able to curb the various tendencies which cause obesity by addressing the personality traits that cause it.
Study strengths
The strength of this study lay in its use of a vast collection of subjects to prove the veracity of the hypothesis of the researchers. When combined with the sheer amount of research shown it can be stated that the results are beyond reproach in their accuracy and attention to detail
Study limitations
The inherent limitation of this study is that it was not able to delve deeper into the development of the inherent psychological traits that led to a person becoming obese. It can be assumed that with a greater degree of insight into what factors lead to the development of such factors within people that are obese they could be addressed early on and could help in preventing cases of obesity in the future.
Need for further research?
There is a definite need for further research given how it is necessary to identify the early occurrence of such adverse personality traits and determine which individuals are at risk for developing obesity because of them.
Why this study is critical research?
This study is critical research it will help researchers address the correlation between distinctive personality traits and obesity and as a result enable potential methods of preventing obesity before it occurs
Discussion question
Do you believe the findings of the study that BMI was mostly unrelated to changes in personality traits given the fact that other studies have shown a correlation between subsequent weight gain and changes in a person’s personality?
Reference
Specht, S., Egloff, B., & Schmukle, S. (2011). Stability and change of personality across the life course: The impact of age and major life events on mean-level and rank-order stability of the big five. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(4), 862–882.
Sutin, A., Ferrucci, L., Zonderman, A., & Terracciano, A. (2011). Personality and obesity across the adult life span. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 101(3), 579–592.