title: The relationship of aging to self-esteem: the relative effects of maturation and role accumulation.
abstract: This research examines the relationship of age and two dimensions of self-esteem using a national sample of adults in the United States. The direct effects of age on self-worth and on self-efficacy are compared to the indirect effects of age on these through role accumulation. Findings indicate those over age sixty-five experience heightened levels of self-esteem, especially on self-efficacy, compared to their younger counterparts. However, through the intervening variable of role accumulation, older age is associated with decreases in self-esteem. The implications of these findings are discussed for maturational and role perspectives on the aging self, and a more general theory of self-esteem dimensions.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA.
authors.forename: B E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Dietz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012380:Role; D012649:Self Concept; D014481:United States