Investigating the relationship between wisdom, intelligence, age, and gender and the role of mediators and moderators: an Australian setting

Wisdom and intelligence are complex distinct constructs which share some characteristics. Measures of wisdom should be distinguished from the construct of intelligence, because, although intelligence helps us engage in our environment, wisdom assists us in dealing with life’s existential challenges. Yet, wisdom a master virtue, often lacks valid and reliable measures. This thesis investigated how wisdom and intelligence are influenced by age and gender, in two quantitative studies. Study One examined whether the structural validity of the popular 40-item five factor Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) would replicate in our sample. We also tested multigroup invariance, and SAWS Openness dimension as a wisdom precursor proposed by other models. Data from 709 respondents, aged 15–92 were randomly split into two. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on Sample 1 showed that the SAWS factor structure did not fit the data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on Sample 2 offered an alternative model, a 12-item four factor solution (SAWS-12), without a Humour facet. SAWS-12 demonstrated a good fit and measurement invariance (MI) across age groups and gender. In respect to findings relative to age, all adults were wiser than adolescents and young adults differed in wisdom from midlife adults. These two groups were similar to older persons. Despite women being wiser than men, the effect size was small. In Study Two, CFA cross-validated the SAWS-12 structure with 457 participants aged 16–87 and compared the measure with the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale-12 (3D-WS-12). SAWS-12 displayed good discriminant validity, but not 3D-WS-12, since 3D-WS-12 shared similar r = .34 with both SAWS-12 and crystallised intelligence (Gc). Again, women scored higher on SAWS-12, but there were no gender differences on 3D-WS-12. On both measures, wisdom–age trajectory was curvilinear with peak at midlife, corroborating current literature. Older adults’ mean wisdom scores did not differ from younger or midlife groups. Highest wisdom scorers were older on both wisdom measures, but better educated only on 3D-WS-12. On measures of Gc and fluid intelligence (Gf) there were no gender differences. While Gc linearly inclined with ageing, Gf’s inverse U–curve ageing trajectory was almost flat. Although intelligence failed to mediate the relationship between age and SAWS-12, Gc mediated 3D-WS-12 with age. Age and gender did not moderate the relationship between intelligence and wisdom. This thesis established new findings. We confirmed SAWS Openness facet is a basic component of wisdom, whereas the Humour factor is not. We demonstrated ceiling and cohort effects, opposing and challenging declining Gf with age reported in contemporary literature. SAWS-12 as a new measure of wisdom demonstrated excellent psychometrics superior to the 3D-WS-12, replicated in a new population across time, displayed convergent and discriminant validity, and MI across age groups and gender. This suggests SAWS-12 is a short, direct, reliable measure of wisdom, which offers distinct advantages to research where increments of time are the focus of the study, such as longitudinal studies, and for vulnerable population groups with short attentional spans

Re-evaluating the factor structure of the self-assessed wisdom scale (saws)

Background. Although wisdom is a desirable developmental goal, researchers often lack valid and reliable construct measures. Webster’s (2007) popular 40-item five factor SAWS structure has had mixed support in the literature. We tested this factor structure, and age group equivalencies. We also examined whether the SAWS Openness dimension is a wisdom precursor, as proposed by other models of wisdom. Methods. Data from 709 respondents were randomly split into two. We performed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on Sample 1. If the model did not fit the data, then exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on Sample 2 would offer an alternative model that could be confirmed on Sample 1. Structural equation models analysed Openness as a SAWS antecedent and a wisdom component. Multigroup CFA tested invariance across age groups. Results. The SAWS failed to replicate in the initial CFA. We extracted a 12-item four factor EFA solution, which excluded Humour factor. Openness as a wisdom component was a better model than as antecedent. Implications. The 12-item four factor model clarifies the key components of the SAWS and can be used across the adult lifespan as different age groups are invariant. We suggest Openness is better understood as a component of the SAWS

The relationship among openness, wisdom, and humor: a preliminary mediation model

Objectives: Wisdom researchers acknowledge the complex nature of this ancient construct, although they are yet to agree on its core components. A key question in the literature is whether Openness and Humour are aspects of wisdom or whether Openness is an antecedent of wisdom with Humour as a consequence. Methods: Using structural equation modelling, we evaluated data from 457 online respondents aged 16–87 years (Mage = 35.19, SD = 17.45). We analyzed a model with Openness as a precursor to Wisdom (conceptualised as a latent mediator variable using parcels of the SAWS Experience, Reminiscence/Reflection, and Emotional Regulation items), with Humor as outcome. We compared this model with a model using Wisdom as a latent mediator variable using parcels of the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale-12 (3D-WS-12). Results: A model using Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS)-9 latent mediator variable with Openness as precursor to wisdom and Humour as a consequence was good fit for the data and displayed full mediation. Similarly, a model using the 3D-WS-12 as latent mediator variable to measure wisdom and with Openness as a precursor to wisdom and Humour as a consequence also fits the data with full mediation. Discussion: These findings provide empirical support for theoretical suggestions in the literature that Openness is a precursor to wisdom and that Humour is a consequence of wisdom using two of the most common self-report measures of wisdom. An improved understanding of the nature of wisdom and especially of its potential precursors can also be of use in future efforts to facilitate the development of wisdom

An evaluation of the factor structure of the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) and the creation of the SAWS-15 as a short measure for personal wisdom

Objectives: Although wisdom is a desirable life span developmental goal, researchers have often lacked brief and reliable construct measures. We examined whether an abbreviated set of items could be empirically derived from the popular 40-item five-factor Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS). Design: Survey data from 709 respondents were randomly split into two and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Setting: The survey was conducted online in Australia. Participants: The total sample consisted of 709 participants (M age = 35.67 years; age range = 15–92 years) of whom 22% were male, and 78% female. Measurement: The study analyzed the 40-item SAWS. Results: Sample 1 showed the traditional five-factor structure for the 40-item SAWS did not fit the data. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on Sample 2 offered an alternative model based on a 15-item, five-factor solution with the latent variables Reminiscence/Reflection, Humor, Emotional Regulation, Experience, and Openness. This model, which replicates the factor structure of the original 40-item SAWS with a short form of 15 items, was then confirmed on Sample 1 using a CFA that produced acceptable fit and measurement invariance across age groups. Conclusions: We suggest the abbreviated SAWS-15 can be useful as a measure of individual differences in wisdom, and we highlight areas for future research