Personality of young adults with different life patterns

Journal/Book: Kolner Z Soziol Sozialpsychol. 1999; 51: Postfach 5829, W-6200 Wiesbaden, Germany. Westdeutscher Verlag Gmbh. 491+.

Abstract: The study analyzed life patterns of young adults from the personality perspective by using a representative sample of 637 young Germans between the age of 18 and 30. With respect to their close social relationships, three groups of respondents with different life patterns were distinguished: (1) young adults with partner and child, (2) young adults with partner, and (3) young singles. These groups differed significantly in their social relationship patterns within and outside of the family as well as with respect to their personality profiles. The two groups of respondents with partner relationships reported lower levels of neuroticism and shyness, but higher scores in extraversion, conscientiousness, and general self-esteem In contrast, singles scored high in neuroticism and shyness, but low in extraversion, conscientiousness and general self-esteem. Singles without partner experience were highest in shyness and lowest in extraversion. It was concluded that in modern individualized societies the personality plays an important role in the structure of life patterns and social relationships.

Note: Article Neyer FJ, Humboldt Univ, Inst Psychol, Oranienburger Str 18, D-10178 Berlin, GERMANY

Keyword(s): personality life patterns; social relationships; neuroticism; extraversion; general self-esteem; EGOCENTERED NETWORKS; SOCIAL NETWORK; QUESTIONNAIRE; VALIDITY; SHYNESS; COUPLES; SUPPORT; TRAITS

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