The utility of a well-known personality typology in studying successful aging: Resilients, undercontrollers,and overcontrollers in old age

This study aims to explore the utility of resilient, overcontrolled and undercontrolled personality prototypes in discriminating 735 elderly Italian adults with regards to their well-being, quality of interpersonal relationships, and leisure activities. Prototype membership, corresponding to the three types, was identified through cluster analysis of Big Five self-ratings. The three prototypes clearly differed in terms of their life and health satisfaction, positive affectivity, interpersonal trust, civic and social engagement and leisure activities. Resilients showed the most positive profile; undercontrollers mistrusted their family members, whereas overcontrollers reported particularly low satisfaction and a scarce involvement in social and recreation activities. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.