Personality assessment among older adults: The value of personality questionnaires unraveled

In this editorial, we discuss the
assessment of personality traits, personality disorders (PDs),
and related conceptual and methodological issues in later
life. Until now, classification systems typically focused on
younger adults as prototypes. For example, the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition
(DSM-IV-TR, American Psychiatric Association [APA],
2000) and DSM-5 (APA, 2013) did not give specific attention
to older adults when developing their sections on PDs.
Also, cognitive impairment is a difficulty with which many
older adults are confronted. Consequently some older adults,
for instance with dementia, will not be able to self-report
their personality. More specifically, we address the following
questions: What do we know about age-neutral and agespecific
tools for personality assessment in older adults?
What does the publication of the DSM-5 (APA, 2013) imply
for the assessment of personality traits and disorders in older
adults? Which perspective should be taken in assessment:
self, informant, or multi-source report?

Jaar van publicatie:2014

Trefwoorden:personality assessment, older adults

Auteurs:International

Toegankelijkheid:Closed