Personality changes in the aged

Abstract

Psychogenic needs according to Murray were measured by means of the Cesarec Marke Personality Schedule in a representative sample of 70-year-olds in Gothenburg, Sweden. They were followed up when 75 and 79. A longitudinal study was carried out with regard to changes in means, standard deviations and sex differences. The levels at 70 among the surviving subjects and those who had died before the age of 79 were compared. Between 70 and 79 there were changes towards higher needs for order and acquiescence in both sexes, and towards lower exhibition, dominance and aggressive non-conformance, and higher succourance in women. The changes were small and most needs showed no changes at all. There were few changes in variability and sex differences. Men with higher needs of defence of status, and lower needs of exhibition and dominance at 70 had an increased mortality. Cross-sectional studies would have given misleading results on the development of psychogenic needs in these age groups.