Key Points
Rationale
Prior research shows personality traits and socioeconomic factors are associated with cognitive function (Chapman et al., 2017; Zeki Al Hazzouri et al., 2011), but few studies look at changes in these predictors (Mueller et al., 2016).
Examining developmental trajectories can clarify when risk and protective factors for cognitive health emerge.
Method
Sample
Statistical Analysis
Results
Here are the results for each research question:
Are the trajectories of Big Five traits across middle adulthood associated with later cognitive function?
Are education level and the trajectories of socioeconomic factors (per capita income and economic stress) across middle adulthood associated with later cognitive function?
Are personality and socioeconomic factors independently associated with later cognitive function?
Insight
Personality traits earlier in adulthood can identify who may be at later risk for worse cognitive health before impairment emerges.
The study found that both higher initial levels of Neuroticism (i.e., greater anxiety, depression, emotional volatility) and smaller decreases in Neuroticism across the 12 years were associated with worse memory, mental status, and verbal fluency later in life.
Socioeconomic disparities have tangible consequences for minoritized groups’ cognitive function. Upward mobility may mitigate risk.
For example, the study found that Mexican-origin adults with lower education levels, less income growth over time, and greater economic hardship showed significantly worse performance on memory, mental status, and verbal fluency tasks later in life. These cognitive outcomes have real-world implications for occupational functioning, independent living, and quality of life.
Conversely, increases in socioeconomic resources predicted better cognitive health even decades later. This suggests that upward socioeconomic mobility could help buffer minoritized individuals against cognitive impairment and delay onset.
Strengths
Limitations
Implications
References
Primary reference
Lawson, K. M., Sutin, A. R., Atherton, O. E., & Robins, R. W. (2023). Are trajectories of personality and socioeconomic factors prospectively associated with midlife cognitive function? Findings from a 12-year longitudinal study of Mexican-origin adults.Psychology and Aging, 38(8), 749–762.https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000755
Other references
Chapman, B. P., Benedict, R. H., Lin, F., Roy, S., Federoff, H. J., & Mapstone, M. (2017). Personality and performance in specific neurocognitive domains among older adults.The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(8), 900–908.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2017.03.006
Mueller, S., Wagner, J., Drewelies, J., Duezel, S., Eibich, P., Specht, J., Demuth, I., Steinhagen-Thiessen, E., Wagner, G. G., & Gerstorf, D. (2016). Personality development in old age relates to physical health and cognitive performance: Evidence from the Berlin Aging Study II.Journal of Research in Personality, 65, 94-108.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2016.08.007
Zeki Al Hazzouri, A., Haan, M. N., Kalbfleisch, J. D., Galea, S., Lisabeth, L. D., & Aiello, A. E. (2011). Life-course socioeconomic position and incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment without dementia in older Mexican Americans: Results from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging.American Journal of Epidemiology, 173(10), 1148–1158.https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwq483
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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
