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Self-perceptions of aging: A conceptual and empirical overview
Manfred Diehl1, Hans-Werner Wahl2
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, USA.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|December 8, 2023
Summary
Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are how individuals view their own aging process. Understanding SPA is crucial for the aging self, with a model presented to explore its influences and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology of Aging
- Social Psychology
- Lifespan Development
Background:
- Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are key components of the aging self.
- Understanding how individuals perceive their own aging process is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and conceptualize self-perceptions of aging (SPA).
- To present a heuristic model of SPA within lifespan and socio-cultural contexts.
- To review empirical findings and outline future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and model development.
- Synthesis of existing empirical research on SPA.
- Discussion of theoretical frameworks and future challenges.
Main Results:
- SPA defined as perceptions, expectations, and experiences of growing older.
- A heuristic model illustrating antecedents, processes, and outcomes of SPA is proposed.
- Recent empirical findings on SPA are summarized.
Conclusions:
- SPA are a critical element of the aging self.
- The proposed model provides a framework for understanding SPA's complexities.
- Further research is needed to explore SPA's developmental trajectories and interventions.
Keywords:
Awareness of age-related changeCultural-societal contextDevelopmental outcomesLifespan developmental contextSelf-perceptions of agingMore Related Videos
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