Abstract
The recently proposed OFCI model and specifically the Environmental Enrichment Hypothesis state that Openness positively influences the development of cognitive abilities (Ziegler et al., 2012). It is assumed that Openness leads to engagement in more learning activities through creating an enriched environment (e.g., reading). However, despite positive evaluations of the OFCI model in general, there is little empirical research on this specific hypothesis. The current paper used a longitudinal design to test the positive impact of Openness on the frequency of reading activities in general and in the specific case of periods of unemployment. PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies) data were used to fit structural equation models. The results show that Openness fosters greater engagement in reading activities over 3 years; a buffering function in case of unemployment could not be found. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Highlights
The current work builds on the Openness-Fluid-Crystallized-Intelligence model (OFCI model; Ziegler et al, 2012) and the Environmental Enrichment Hypothesis included therein
In other words, reading should decline after job loss, but not among people who remain employed (Hypothesis 3). We propose that this decline in reading after job loss will be buffered among people higher in Openness
The current study can be seen as a further extension of the study by Trapp et al (2019)
Summary
The current work builds on the Openness-Fluid-Crystallized-Intelligence model (OFCI model; Ziegler et al, 2012) and the Environmental Enrichment Hypothesis included therein. While numerous studies support the notion of developmental relations between Openness and cognitive abilities (Baker and Bichsel, 2006; Von Stumm and Deary, 2012; Ziegler et al, 2012, 2015; Zhang and Ziegler, 2015; Furnham and Cheng, 2016; Wettstein et al, 2017; Ziegler et al, 2018; Trapp et al, 2019; and see: Von Stumm and Deary, 2013; Hülür et al, 2018), the concrete assumptions of the Environmental Enrichment Hypothesis have rarely been explored This includes the idea that Openness manifests in activities (e.g., reading) that serve as learning opportunities and in this way enhances cognitive abilities.
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