A comparison of different aspects of self-concept for young, middle-aged, and older women

Abstract

Previous research that focused on self-esteem in adult women has yielded a variety of contradictory results, with some studias that report more positive self-concepts in the middle-aged in comparison to older and younger women and others that report the o osite. Similar conflicting findings have been presented for women over 60. !&s study com ared women in four age groups: 18 to 22,29 t o 39,40 t o 55, and 60 to 75 on tfe Tennessee Self Concept Scale, which yields self-esteem score9 on different life aspects such t w family relations, morality, and physical self as well as a general self-esteem measure. The age groups did not differ significantly in overall level of self-esteem, but they could be discriminated on the more specific aspects of self-concept; the 40-to 55-year-olds reported more positive feelings about themselves in their family relations and morality than did the 18 to 22 year olds. Women over 60, compared to the other age groups, showed more defensiveness and also gave responses more similar to a diagnosed psychotic group.'The authors wish to thank Nancv Vernon, Lynne O'Brien, and Kathy Smith for their essistance with data collection and John Miller for his help with the statistical analysis.*Reprint requests should be.sent to Carol J. Erdwins,

Self-esteem development from young adulthood to old age: A cohort-sequential longitudinal study.

“…Several cross-sectional studies showed that middle-aged adults had higher self-esteem than did older adults (Jaquish & Ripple, 1981;Ranzjin, Keeves, Luszcz, & Feather, 1998;Tiggemann & Lynch, 2001;Ward, 1977). In contrast, Gove et al (1989) found that their oldest cohort (age 75 and older) had the highest level of self-esteem, and several studies have failed to show any significant age differences (Erdwins, Mellinger, & Tyer, 1981;Ryff, 1989;Trimakas & Nicholay, 1974). Only two longitudinal studies have examined self-esteem in old age; one reported no change over a 2-year period for individuals aged 58 years to 64 years (Reitzes, Mutran, & Fernandez, 1996), and the other reported a decline from age 65 years to age 75 years (Coleman, Ivani-Chalian, & Robinson, 1993).…”

Global self-esteem across the life span.

“…In contrast, Gove et al (1989) found the highest levels of self-esteem in the oldest cohort (age 75 years and older). Moreover, several studies have failed to find significant age differences, including Trimakas and Nicolay's (1974) study of individuals age 66 -88 years, Erdwins et al (1981) study of four cohorts ranging in age from 18 to 75 years, and Ryff's (1989) study comparing middleaged adults (mean age ϭ 50 years) and older adults (mean age ϭ 75 years). Reflecting the lack of consistency in previous findings, researchers reviewing the literature on self-esteem and aging have failed to reach consensus on whether self-esteem increases, decreases, or remains stable in old age (Bengtson, Reedy, & Gordon, 1985;Brandtstaedter & Greve, 1994;Demo, 1992).…”

Stability of self-esteem across the life span.

“…In contrast, Gove et al (1989) found the highest levels of self-esteem in the oldest cohort (age 75 years and older). Moreover, several studies have failed to find significant age differences, including Trimakas and Nicolay's (1974) study of individuals age 66 -88 years, Erdwins et al (1981) study of four cohorts ranging in age from 18 to 75 years, and Ryff's (1989) study comparing middleaged adults (mean age ϭ 50 years) and older adults (mean age ϭ 75 years). Reflecting the lack of consistency in previous findings, researchers reviewing the literature on self-esteem and aging have failed to reach consensus on whether self-esteem increases, decreases, or remains stable in old age (Bengtson, Reedy, & Gordon, 1985;Brandtstaedter & Greve, 1994;Demo, 1992).…”