Age differences in conscientiousness facets in the second half of life: Divergent associations with changes in physical health

The development of personality across the lifespan has captivated researchers for several years. However, lower order facets may show different developmental trends and divergent associations with outcomes compared to their higher order traits. In a sample of 12,762 older adults, age differences in conscientiousness and its facets were examined. Further, the degree to which conscientiousness and its facets differentially predicted physical health over a four-year period was also examined. Broader conscientiousness, orderliness, and industriousness were lowest in late life. Traditionalism and virtue were highest in late life. Responsibility was highest around age 70. Self-control did not show any significant age-related differences. Conscientiousness, orderliness, industriousness, and responsibility were most consistently related to physical health over time. The findings are discussed in the context of the mechanisms that give rise to personality development and divergent associations in outcomes among seemingly related facets.