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Identity processing styles and the need for self-esteem in middle-aged and older adults
1Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 01003, USA. jsneed@psych.umass.edu
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Self-esteem in older adults is linked to identity assimilation and balance, but not accommodation. The identity assimilation effect may be specific to physical and cognitive functioning, not personality.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Self-esteem is crucial for well-being, particularly in older adults.
- Identity processing styles include assimilation (maintaining self-views), accommodation (changing self-views), and balance.
- Previous research suggests an identity assimilation effect (IAE) where assimilation increases with age to protect self-esteem in physical and cognitive domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between self-esteem and identity processing styles (assimilation, accommodation, balance) in older adults.
- To investigate whether the identity assimilation effect extends to the domain of personality.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 242 older adults (ages 40-95) completed questionnaires measuring identity processing and self-esteem.
- Statistical analyses were used to assess the relationships between variables and test for interaction effects.
Main Results:
- Identity assimilation and balance were positively associated with self-esteem.
- Identity accommodation was negatively associated with self-esteem.
- No interaction effects were found, suggesting the identity assimilation effect was not observed in the personality domain.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that maintaining consistent self-views (assimilation) and seeking a balance between consistency and change are beneficial for self-esteem in older adults.
- The identity assimilation effect, previously observed in physical and cognitive functioning, may not apply to personality traits.
- Future research should explore the domain specificity of identity processing and its impact on self-esteem across the lifespan.
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