title: Aging and Self-Discrepancy: Evidence for Adaptive Change Across the Life Span.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Higgins' self-discrepancy theory (SDT; Higgins, 1987, Psychological Review, 94, 319-340) postulates that individuals are motivated to decrease the discrepancy between their current and future selves. The objective of the current research was to investigate adult age differences in quantitative and qualitative aspects of self-discrepancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Higgins' self-guide strength measure (Higgins et al., 1997, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72, 515-525) was utilized to compare self-discrepancy in older (aged 65-84) and younger (aged 17-30) healthy, community-dwelling adults. Additionally, the possible selves generated in the task were analyzed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Age was associated with lowered expectations concerning both current and future selves, but the magnitude of self-discrepancy remained constant across the life span. Thematically, interpersonal-related possible selves were important for both age groups, whereas significant age differences emerged in several other thematic domains: younger adults generated significantly more related to achievement, whereas older adults were significantly more concerned with duties, obligations, and health.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings reflect adaptive age-related changes in expectations and motivational priorities in line with life span theories of development.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Leann K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Lapp
authors.affiliation: a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spaniol
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D055815:Young Adult