Psychological capacity profiles of different age groups and gender in a national representative sample

Abstract

Beyond the specific cognitive capacities like numerical or verbal intelligence and cognitive speed, the so-called soft skills, namely, psychological capacities, have become highly important in modern life. This is the first representative study on the distribution of work-relevant psychological capacities in the general population. We investigate capacities in different age groups, gender, and their relation with basic sociodemographics. A representative sample of 2531 people aged 14–95 years was investigated concerning work-relevant psychological capacities with the mini self-rating for psychological activities and participation (Mini-ICF-APP-S). The strongest capacities in young people were mobility, flexibility, proactivity, contact to thirds, and group interaction. Other capacities were stronger in midlife (30–59 years), such as adjustment to rules and routines, planning and structuring, decision making and judgement, application of competence and knowledge, assertiveness, dyadic relationships, endurance, and self-care. Women reported better dyadic relationship capacities, and men felt more assertive. The study provides, for the first time, representative data on a broad range of psychological capacities according to an internationally validated capacity concept. Good psychological capacities occur not primarily in youth, but especially in midlife and older age. Regarding demographic change, this implies older people are highly competent in the working world.