Possible Selves and Perceived Health in Older Adults and College Students

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to assess motivational aspects of the self by measuring hoped-for and feared possible selves among a sample of older adults and college students. It was predicted that health-related possible selves would be predominant among older adults, but not college students, and that self-regulatory aspects of possible selves would be related to perceived health. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. Older adults were significantly more likely to have possible selves in the realm of health than were college students. Regression analyses with the older sample indicate that outcome expectancy for a hoped-for self was positively related to perceived health, whereas amount of time spent thinking about a hoped-for possible self was negatively related to perceived health. However, these relationships were not significant when evaluated in relation to a feared possible self, indicating that there may be differences in the way self-regulatory processes operate in service of positive, as opposed to negative, goals for the self. Results are discussed with reference to theoretical models of self-efficacy and motivation over the life span.

Wellness motivation in cardiac rehabilitation: The role of self‐knowledge in cardiovascular risk modification

“…Researchers have suggested that, in order to maintain well-being, individuals change and reevaluate their possible selves in response to changing life circumstances (Hooker, 1992;Strauss & Goldberg, 1999). Such findings are consistent with participants' emphasis on selfknowledge as a mechanism for personal growth.…”

“…Understanding these domains is essential, because it is in these domains that individuals will attend to their behavior, generate commitment to behavioral change, and attempt to regulate behavior (Markus, 1983). Older adults have been shown to be significantly more likely to report health-related possible selves than younger adults; regardless of age, those with a hoped-for healthrelated possible self engaged in more healthprotecting behaviors (Fleury et al, 2002;Hooker, 1992;Hooker & Kaus, 1992, 1994.…”

“…Although several cross-sectional studies of the role of the self and health have included older adults (Cross & Markus, 1991;Hooker, 1992;Ryff, 1991;Waid & Frazier, 2003), the majority of research has been undertaken with college students and adolescents (Dunkel & Kerpelman, 2006;Stein et al, 1998). Thus, there are still many questions about the operation of this motivational system among older adults, particularly older adults with chronic illness.…”

Coping with life events through possible selves

“…Possible selves allow individuals to adapt to new roles and circumstances throughout the lifespan. Evidence from the developmental literature shows that there are significant age differences in the domains of possible selves that are salient, their centrality or importance to the individual, how extensive or elaborate they are, and the strength of their link to plans and behavioral strategies (Frazier, 1993;Frazier et al, 2000;Frazier et al, 2002;Hooker, 1992;Hooker & Kaus, 1992;1994;Markus & Nurius, 1986). There are also age differences in the selfregulatory processes associated with possible selves (Hooker & Kaus, 1992;1994;Frazier & Hooker, 2006).…”

“…The most salient domains for hoped-for possible selves are occupation, family, and success. The most salient domains for feared possible selves are family, success, and dependence (Frazier, Montgomery, Barreto, Perez, Hinton, & Jauregui, 2003;Hooker, 1992;Oyserman & Markus, 1990). …”