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Perceived continuity of self in very old age
Psychology and Aging
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Very late life changes reveal remarkable identity stability. The oldest old perceive continuity in their core self ("I") and stable self-descriptors ("me"), with positive affect linked to this perceived sameness.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding identity changes in very late life is limited.
- Aging processes may impact self-perception and identity continuity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how individuals in very late life perceive changes and stability in their identity over time.
- To investigate the relationship between perceived identity continuity and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study involving 150 individuals in very late life.
- Participants were interviewed about perceived changes and continuities in their sense of self.
- Responses were coded for changes in core self ("I") and self-descriptors ("me").
Main Results:
- Nearly all participants perceived themselves as fundamentally the same person ("I").
- While specific self-concept characteristics ("me") showed some change, overall stability was noted.
- Perceived continuity was associated with positive affect, independent of recent disruptive events or mortality.
Conclusions:
- Identity remains remarkably stable in very late life, particularly the core self.
- Perceived continuity in identity is linked to positive emotional states in advanced old age.
- Future research should explore factors influencing identity stability and its psychological benefits.