Coordinating Author Information: Joao Pedro Oliveira, PhD | Universidade Lusofona
Session Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the links between the Big Five personality traits, nostalgia and happiness among older adults. The participants were a community sample of older adults (n = 180, 80 males and 100 females), with ages understood between 70 and 90 years old. Data collection included a sociodemographic data questionnaire, the Mini-IPIP Five-Factor Model Personality Scale (Mini-IPIP; Donnellan, Oswald, Baird, & Lucas, 2006; Oliveira, 2017, 2019), the Southampton Nostalgia Scale (SNS; Routledge, Arndt, Sedikides, & Wildschut, 2008), and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ; Hills, & Argyle, 2002).
Correlational analysis and multiple regression analysis were carried out to determine the relationships between the Mini-IPIP factors, the SNS, and OHQ scores. In addition, a Structural Equation Model was proposed in order to understand the links between the Big Five personality traits, nostalgia, and happiness.
Results revealed that agreeableness, openness to experience, and nostalgia, were positively correlated with happiness, while neuroticism showed a negative correlation. Multiple regression analyses showed that agreeableness, openness to experience, and nostalgia were found to be positive predictors of happiness.
The findings have implications for the study of well-being and satisfaction with life in older adults. As evidenced by the present research, positive feelings and happiness are more prototypical of nostalgia than negative affect.
Authors:
Joao Pedro Oliveira, PhD | Universidade Lusofona