Autonomous orientation predicts longevity

New findings from the Nun Study

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19280972
AutoresNorman Weinstein (0000-0003-2200-6617, Cardiff University, autor correspondente), Nicole Legate (0000-0001-8086-9643, Illinois Institute of Technology), William S Ryan (0000-0003-0158-3810, University of California, Santa Barbara), Laura Hemmy (University of Minnesota), Laura S Hemmy (University of Minnesota System)
Ano2019
Volume87
Fascículo2
Páginas181-193
Data de publicação2019-04-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Personality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0022-3506 • E-ISSN: 1467-6494
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jopy.12379
PMID29524338
OpenAlexW2888107412
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas9
Referências citadas78

OBJECTIVE: Work on longevity has found protective social, cognitive, and emotional factors, but to date we have little understanding of the impact of motivational dynamics. Autonomy orientation, or stable patterns of self-regulation, is theorized to be a protective factor for long-term mental and physical health (Ryan & Deci, 2017), and it is therefore a prime candidate for examining how stable psychosocial factors are linked to longevity, or life expectancy. METHOD: Essays written in the 1930s by participants in the Nun Study were coded for indicators of an autonomy orientation. These were selected in line with an extensive theoretical literature based in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Essays were coded for the propensity for choice in action, susceptibility to pressure, self-reflection, integration of experiences, and parental support for autonomy. These coded variables were used to predict age of death. RESULTS: Using 176 codable essays provided by now-deceased participants, linear regression analyses revealed that choiceful behavior, self-reflection, and parent autonomy support predicted age of death. Participants who demonstrated these stable and beneficial motivational characteristics lived longer. CONCLUSIONS: Personality constructs reflecting a healthy form of self-regulation are associated with long-term health. Implications for health interventions are discussed

Developmental psychology · Future Orientation · Geometry · Longevity · Orientation (vector space) · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Mathematics · Medicine · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology