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This study was launched in 2007 and is being conducted by a multidisciplinary team of investigators who have substantial experience in personality, aging, and epidemiological studies.  It is a prospective, longitudinal study of the stability and impact of personality in later life.  The study will examine connections among personality traits, health, and social adjustment in a sample of persons between the ages of 55 and 64---those approaching the challenges of later life. It will identify the extent to which personality and personality problems influence the ability to adapt successfully to important life transitions.

The participants include a representative sample of adults living in the St. Louis area (n=1,500). Baseline assessments include a semi-structured interview and two personality questionnaires. For each participant, one informant (most often a spouse or other family member) will also complete the personality questionnaires to describe the participant’s personality. Follow-up assessments of personality and personality problems will be conducted at regular, 2-year intervals.  In addition, assessments of social functioning and marital adjustment as well as physical and mental health will be completed every 6-months. Data from this project will help us understand the impact of personality on health and social adjustment over the lifespan.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Washington University, Department of Psychology, Campus Box 1125, St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Dept Phone # 1-314-935-6565 | Fax # 1-314-935-7588