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Correlational findings

Study Costa & McCrae (1980): study US 1976

Public
35-85 aged white males (largely veterans), USA, 1976
Sample
Respondents
N = 1100
Non Response
T1:21%; T2:18%; T3:27%; T4:46%
Assessment
Questionnaire: Paper & Pencil Interview (PAPI)
Mailed questionnaire att intervals of 3 months

Correlate

Authors's Label
Poor inhibition of impulse
Our Classification
Operationalization
5-item index from the EASI-III Tempera-
ment Survey (Buss and Plomin, 1975:241-242) rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 'a little' to 'a lot':
1. "I have trouble controlling my          impulses"
2. "Usually I can't stand waiting"
3. "I can tolerate frustration better      than most" (reverse)
4. "I have trouble resisting my            cravings (for food, cigarettes,        etc)"
5. "I like to spend my money right away     rather than save it for long-range     goods".

Observed Relation with Happiness

Happiness Measure Statistics Elaboration / Remarks A-BB-cm-mq-v-2-b r = -.22 p < .001 Hedonic level assessed at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (3 month-intervals). Poor inhibition of impulse at T2.
Correlations with hedonic level at:
T1:  r = -.16  (001)
T2:  r = -.23  (001)
T3:  r = -.18  (001)
T4:  r = -.18  (001)
Sum: r = -.22  (001)

PAS: r(mean) = -.05
NAS: r(mean) = +.24