The Devil is in the Details - Facets of Impulsivity as Correlates of Social Circle Change Over Time

Sep 29, 2026

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Impulsivity is treated as a multifaceted trait and linked to how older adults’ social networks change. The study evaluates associations between impulsivity-related traits—self-discipline, deliberation, and excitement-seeking—and the size and stability of inner, middle, and outer circle ties. Data from participants in the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network are drawn across two waves spanning three years, using the NEO Personality Inventory as baseline measurement. Findings show global impulsivity is not significantly related to circle size or overall social change over time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study overview

Participants and measurement

Impulsivity-related traits

Key results and implications

1150 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 However, the facet of self-discipline was positively related to the number of inner circle members at Wave 1 (r = .08) and Wave 2 (r = .07), and to middle circle members at both waves (r = .09 each). Additionally, deliberation was associated with fewer individuals dropping out of the inner circle over time (r = –.08) . Excitement-seeking though showed no significant correlations. These findings suggest that viewing impulsivity as a singular variable would be insufficient, as it could obscure potentially relevant trait-level associations. Moreover, self-discipline and deliberation could prove important for maintaining and growing social networks in older adulthood. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3855 THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS: FACETS OF IMPULSIVITY AS CORRELATES OF SOCIAL CIRCLE CHANGE OVER TIME Sydney Demchak1, Mary Cox2, Michael Boudreaux3, Thomas Oltmanns2, and Patrick Hill4, 1. Washington University in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 2. Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States, 3. Hogan Assessments, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, 4. Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States Impulsivity is a multifaceted trait that influences life outcomes such as financial stability, purposefulness, and connection. The current study examined the relationship between impulsivity and changes in social network during older adulthood. We employed data gathered over the span of three years from participants who were part of the St. Louis Personality and Aging Network. Impulsivity-related traits, such as self-discipline, deliberation, and excitement-seeking, were also assessed to determine more specific associations with the size and stability of older adults’ inner circle, middle circle, and outer circle social ties across two time points. Social circle information was collected from participants (n = 815, mean age: 62.5 years) across two waves, and the NEO Personality Inventory served as the baseline for the level of impulsivity and impulsivity-related traits. Results indicated that global impulsivity showed no significant associations with inner or middle circle size, or with overall social changes over time.

FAQs

What relationship does the study test between impulsivity and social networks?

It examines how impulsivity and impulsivity-related traits relate to changes in social circle ties—inner, middle, and outer circles—across older adulthood over time.

Which assessment and data collection approach are used?

Impulsivity and related traits are measured using the NEO Personality Inventory, and social circle information is collected from participants across two waves spanning about three years.

Do the findings show that overall (global) impulsivity predicts social circle changes?

No. Global impulsivity shows no significant associations with inner or middle circle size and no significant link with overall social changes over time.

Sep 29, 2026

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