Relationship Between Personality Measures and Perceived Mental Fatigability

Abstract

Objective Examine the association between personality measures and perceived mental fatigability. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis in N=1670 men, age 84.3±4.1 years. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the covariate adjusted association between personality measures (conscientiousness, optimism, goal reengagement, and goal disengagement) and perceived mental fatigability (measured with the validated 10-item Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, PFS). Results One standard deviation lower conscientiousness (β=−0.91, p<.0001) and optimism (β=−0.63, p<.0001), and higher goal reengagement (β=0.51, p=.01) scores were independently associated with higher PFS Mental scores adjusted for age, cognitive function, self-reported health status, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, physical activity, and goal disengagement. Discussion Lower conscientiousness, optimism, and higher goal reengagement were linked with more severe perceived mental fatigability in older men. Personality traits may potentially contribute to early risk assessment for fatigability in later life. Future work should be longitudinal in nature and include personality assessments to confirm the temporality of the relationships observed.

Healthy Lifestyle Behavior, Goal Setting, and Personality among Older Adults: A Synthesis of Literature Reviews and Interviews

“…An intervention study showed that for people with a high level of conscientiousness, their step count was positively predicted from a pre-test, while under monitoring during the intervention, people with a high level of neuroticism showed a significant increase in their daily step counts as well [ 30 ]. Meanwhile, people with a sense of openness tended to be slightly more active, but there were no significant differences in the level of leisure-based physical activity among people with agreeableness [ 31 , 33 , 34 ]. In addition to people with high neuroticism, people with other types of personality traits were associated with a high level of engagement in leisure activities, including social and physical activities, which indicates successful active aging [ 29 ].…”

“…Similarly, Briki and Dagot [ 25 ] demonstrated that dispositional self-control and perceived goal progress were negatively associated with neurotic self-attentiveness, thus negatively predicting subjective well-being. Furthermore, people with lower levels of conscientiousness and optimism are associated with low goal re-engagement, higher mental fatigability, and poorer physical and cognitive health maintenance [ 33 ]. Meanwhile, optimism and conscientiousness are positively associated with goal achievement, adjustments, and re-engagement and thus are related to older adults’ participating in physical activity and having a healthy quality of life [ 30 ].…”