The self-concept of the elderly: A cross-cultural comparison

Author(s): Steverink, N., DittmannKohli, F., Herrera, R. R.

Journal/Book: Int J Aging Human Develop. 1998; 46: 26 Austin Ave, Amityville, NY 11701. Baywood Publ Co Inc. 171-187.

Abstract: This study examines the self-concept of the elderly in a cross-cultural perspective. An open-ended sentence completion methodology was employed. A sample of elderly Spanish and elderly Dutch were compared to gain an idea of the cross-cultural generality of the content of the self-concept. Analysis focuses on responses to sentences which probed the respondents' motivations and future plans and goals. Differences could be interpreted as reflecting an individualistic (Dutch) vs. Collectivistic (Spanish) distinction between the two cultures. Furthermore, the findings had implications for how to interpret dimensions of meaningful aging. For example, a dimension such as ''purpose in life'' was more generalizable across the two samples than a dimension such as ''autonomy.''

Note: Article Katzko MW, Univ Nijmegen, POB 9104, NL-6500 He Nijmegen, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): LIFE SATISFACTION; PERSPECTIVE

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