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Representations of self across the life span
G Labouvie-Vief1, L M Chiodo, L A Goguen
1Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA.
Psychology and Aging
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Self-representation develops from adolescence to older adulthood, peaking in middle age. Cognitive and personality factors influence this development, with patterns shifting across the adult lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Self-representation evolves across the lifespan.
- Mature adults often emphasize individuality and context in self-views.
- Understanding age-related changes in self-perception is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age differences in self-representation from adolescence to older adulthood.
- To explore the developmental trajectory of self-representation across the lifespan.
- To examine the relationship between self-representation and cognitive/personality factors.
Main Methods:
- A cognitive-developmental approach was employed.
- Participants (N=149, ages 11-85) provided spontaneous self-representation accounts.
- Measures of cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, and personality were administered.
Main Results:
- Self-representation scores peaked in middle-aged adults.
- Scores were lowest in preadolescent and older adult groups.
- Correlates of self-representation varied between younger (15-45) and older (46-85) adult segments.
Conclusions:
- Self-representation shows a non-linear developmental pattern across adulthood.
- Cognitive and personality variables are associated with self-representation levels.
- The interplay between self-representation and other psychological factors changes with age.