Mind-Body Practice, Personality Traits, and Cognitive Performance: A 10-Years Study in US Adults

Abstract

It is widely established that physical activity is associated with better cognitive outcomes, and accumulating evidence suggests that mind-body practice (MBP, e.g., movement therapies such as yoga) may yield similar benefits. Personality is related to both daily activities and cognition, but its role in the association between MBP and cognition is not well understood. Using data from waves 2 and 3 (2004–2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, the current study examines bidirectional temporal associations between personality traits, MBP, and cognition in healthy adults ( N = 2050). We applied a cross-lagged regression analysis to examine bidirectional effects between MBP, Big Five personality traits, and two cognitive domains (episodic memory and executive function) and controlled for relevant variables (sociodemographic factors, health, and functional status) at wave 2. MBP at baseline was independently associated with more favorable change in episodic memory, but not in executive function, both before and after including control variables. Also, episodic memory and executive function at baseline were related to increase in MBP. The findings show that MBP and cognitive function predict each other over time. There is also some evidence for cognition and personality associations over time; however, personality traits are not related to subsequent MBP.

Is Use of Psychedelic Drugs a Risk or Protective Factor for Late-Life Cognitive Decline?

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“…Additionally, improving the neurocognitive health of older adults can prolong independence. Unfortunately, most age-related neurocognitive disorders have no definite curative intervention and treatment options through modern medical management; available drugs for managing neurocognitive disorders can only temporarily delay the disease progression, but do not treat the underlying causes of the disease ( Bhattacharyya et al, 2022 ; Crous-Bou et al, 2017 ; Zheng et al, 2020 ). Thus, finding alternative and cost-effective therapy options for neurocognitive disorders are essential for improving the quality of the aging process.…”

Impact of Optimism on Cognitive Performance of People Living in Rural Area: Findings From a 20-Year Study in US Adults

“…With higher socioeconomic status, individuals living in urban environments may experience less stress and more well-being; also, they show a positive attitude toward achieving things in their favor ( Scheier & Carver, 1985 ). In this context, the negative impacts of stress on cognitive performance are well-evidenced ( Bhattacharyya et al, 2022 ; Chen et al, 2018 ; Conversano et al, 2010 ; Goda et al, 2020 ). Although we did not measure any factors related to the stress process, the findings suggest that further insight into the mechanism by which this association occurs may be important.…”

The Influence of Physical Exercise on Adolescent Personality Traits: The Mediating Role of Peer Relationship and the Moderating Role of Parent–Child Relationship

“…In terms of adolescents' agreeableness, actively participating in physical exercise could effectively improve adolescents' cognitive flexibility (Bhattacharyya et al, 2022) and social communication ability (Stephan et al, 2014a), promote adolescents' emotional acquisition, maintain adolescents' prosocial behavior, and then promote the development of adolescents' agreeableness (Stephan et al, 2014b).…”