Personality as mechanism: An integrative model of five-factor model personality traits as a mechanism between earlier life factors and cognitive aging.
Abstract
Models of personality and health emphasize the role of Five-Factor Model personality traits (particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness) in cognitive health outcomes. A complementary literature on lifecourse models of cognitive aging indicate that earlier life factors (socioeconomic status, adverse childhood experiences, childhood health) are critical for later life cognitive function and dementia risk. There is growing evidence that these earlier life factors also contribute to adult personality. The present review integrates models of personality and health into lifecourse models of cognitive aging and posits personality traits as central mechanisms between earlier life factors and cognitive health. Development of a more detailed lifespan model will help identify chains of risk and resilience to promote better late-life cognition, health, and well-being.
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Research summary
The paper posits that personality traits serve as mechanisms linking earlier life factors to cognitive health outcomes in aging. This research is relevant as it explores the interplay between personality and cognitive aging, potentially identifying pathways that could inform interventions for better cognitive health in later life.
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