Authors
Carol D Ryff
Publication date
1991/6
Journal
Psychology and aging
Volume
6
Issue
2
Pages
286
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Description
Young, middle-aged, and elderly adults (N= 308) evaluated themselves on 6 dimensions of psychological well-being according to present, past, future, and ideal self-assessments. Young and middle-aged adults saw considerable improvement in themselves from the past to the present on all dimensions of well-being. The elderly, however, indicated largely a perception of stability with prior levels of functioning. Future ratings showed that the 2 younger groups expected continued gains in the years ahead, whereas the oldest respondents foresaw decline on most aspects of well-being. The comparison of present and ideal self-ratings supported (cross-sectionally) the hypothesis that with age, individuals achieve a closer fit between their ideal and their actual self-perceptions.
Total citations
Scholar articles
CD Ryff - Psychology and aging, 1991