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Image theory, goal incompatibility, and retirement intent
Ruby R Brougham1, David A Walsh
1Department of Psychology, Chapman University, California, Orange 92866, USA. brougham@chapman.edu
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|December 21, 2007
Summary
Retirement decisions hinge on identity fit. Perceived incompatibility between personal goals and work or retirement choices significantly predicts retirement intent, aligning with image theory.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Identity is a key factor influencing major life decisions, including work and retirement.
- Image theory posits that actions aligning with one's goals (trajectory image) are crucial for maintaining self-identity.
- Goal incompatibility serves as a mechanism to assess the 'fit' between personal goals and life choices like retirement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of identity and goal incompatibility in predicting retirement intent.
- To test the applicability of image theory to retirement decisions.
- To compare the predictive power of goal incompatibility against goal facilitation and cost/benefit models.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 238 full-time employees.
- Measurement of the 'fit' between the trajectory image and retirement/work choices.
- Analysis of perceived goal incompatibility as a predictor of retirement intent.
Main Results:
- Perceived incompatibility between personal goals and work/retirement choices predicted 25% of retirement intent.
- Goal incompatibility was a stronger predictor than goal facilitation.
- Goal incompatibility showed equal predictive power to a cost/benefit model.
Conclusions:
- Findings support image theory's predictions regarding goal incompatibility and retirement decisions.
- Identity, conceptualized through goal compatibility, is fundamental in predicting retirement intent.
- Results extend continuity theory by emphasizing identity's role in retirement planning.
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