Studied the effect of childhood sociodemographic, psychosocial and environmental factors on adult life and longevity. Data were collected on 1285 Subjects, born between 1904-1915. They were analyzed over the period from 1930 until the date of their death or till the most recent date of participation. Results reveal that parental divorce during childhood predicted decreased longevity. Other potential social predictors failed to show significant associations with longevity. Three dimensions of childhood personality: Conscientiousness, lack of cheerfulness and permanency of mood, predicted increased longevity mainly in males. The effects of parental divorce and childhood personality were largely independent and did not account for the gender difference in mortality. It was concluded that a small number of childhood factors significantly predict mortality across the life span.

<>Martin, Leslie R.; Friedman, Howard S.; Tucker, Joan S.; Schwartz, Joseph E.; and others. An archival prospective study of mental health and longevity. Special Section: The interface of mental and physical health. Health Psychology, 1995 Sep, v14 (n5):381-387.

http://www.psych.ucr.edu/faculty/friedman/longabstract.html

Modified Tuesday, November 02, 2010