Related Experiment Videos
Age, personality, and the spontaneous self-concept
1Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging.
Journal of Gerontology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
The Twenty Statements Test (TST) reveals age influences self-concept elements, but personality traits like Neuroticism and Extraversion are key predictors of self-esteem, not age itself.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The Twenty Statements Test (TST) is a tool for assessing the spontaneous self-concept.
- Understanding how social structural variables, like age, influence self-perception is crucial in developmental psychology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Twenty Statements Test (TST) as a measure of the spontaneous self-concept across different age groups.
- To investigate the relationship between age, personality traits, and self-esteem.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted involving 305 men and women aged 32 to 84.
- Participants completed the TST, with responses analyzed for self-concept content salience.
- Self-esteem, personality dimensions (using NEO Personality Inventory), and age identification were assessed.
Main Results:
- Age differences were observed in the salience of self-concept elements, with older individuals showing lower TST-rated Neuroticism.
- Self-esteem was consistently linked to low Neuroticism and high Extraversion across studies.
- Self-esteem was not found to be directly related to chronological age.
Conclusions:
- While age influences the content of the spontaneous self-concept, personality traits are more significant determinants of self-esteem.
- The TST effectively captures age-related shifts in self-concept and highlights the enduring impact of personality on psychological well-being.