Effects of retirement on aspects of self-perception

In this study some effects of retirement have been assessed from the viewpoint of the retired person. The study is based on an Open University national survey from which a sub-sample of 210 men over 55 years (133 working and 77 retired) was obtained. Self-perception was assessed using 14 seven point semantic differential scales from which five dimensions (social standing, contentment, self-reliance, outlook, and dependence) were identified by factor analysis. Differences in the five dimensions between the working and retired men were examined. No differences in these aspects of self-perception were found and the results support the view that, for most people, retirement is not sufficiently disruptive to damage their self-image.