The need for structure construct was examined in relation to adult age using the
Personal Need for Structure scale (PNS; M.M. Thompson, M.E. Naccarato, & K.
Parker, 1989). The results of a series of confirmatory factor analyses indicated
that the two intercorrelated-factor structure of the PNS scale held up well across
individuals aged 21 to 85, validating its use for the examination of ageing effects.
Structural equation modelling analyses found that ageing was associated with lower
levels of physical health and cognitive skill, which in turn were related to higher
PNS scores. It was also found, however, that the impact of reductions in these
resources on need for structure were counteracted by high levels of social activity
and emotional health. The argument is made that ageing-related changes in personal
resources impact everyday behaviour through changes in motivation, such as need for structure.
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