title: Reasoning about the self and relationships in maturity: an integrative complexity analysis of individual differences.
abstract: This study examined age (35-55 versus 65-85), gender, and self-concept-orientation differences in reasoning about the self, relationships, and morality, on the basis of the theorizing of Gilligan (1982). Participants were interviewed about general relationship issues, a specific relationship, and about the self. Reasoning was scored for integrative complexity (Suedfeld & Tetlock, 1977). Life experience measures and the standard Kohlberg justice reasoning index were obtained. Results showed gender differences in the connectedness of the self-concept for middle-aged, but not older, adults. No age or gender differences in the complexity of relationship reasoning or in justice reasoning were found. Those with more connected self-concepts reasoned in more complex ways about relationships and about the self.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Pratt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pancer
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hunsberger
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Manchester
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010556:Personality Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment