Identity processing and self-consciousness in middle and later adulthood.
Identity process theory proposes that adjustment to aging can be conceptualized as involving the three processes of identity assimilation (maintaining self-consistency), identity accommodation (making changes in the self), and identity balance (maintaining a sense of self but changing when necessary). Measures of the identity processes and self-consciousness were administered to a community sample of 173 adults (108 women and 65 men) ranging in age from 42 to 85 years (M = 60.80; SD = 12.58). Consistent with theory, identity assimilation was positively associated with age and negatively related to self-reflection. Identity accommodation was negatively related to age and internal state awareness and positively related to self-reflection and public self-consciousness. Identity balance alone was positively related to internal state awareness, indicating that the ability to incorporate age-related changes within identity but at the same time maintain a consistent and positive view of the self is most conducive to successful aging.
Sneed
Joel R
JR
Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA. jrs925@nyu.edu
Whitbourne
Susan Krauss
SK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D019455:Self Psychology