Age differences in life satisfaction as a function of discrepancy between real and ideal self concepts

Abstract

Six age groups were compared with respect to discrepancy between real and ideal self concepts and the relationship between life satisfaction and discrepancy in self concepts. The subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 75 years, completed two self descriptive adjective rating scales which assessed real and ideal self concept and a life satisfaction index. Significant differences were found among age groups for real and ideal self concepts, life satisfaction, and discrepancy between real and ideal self concept scores. Age was significantly correlated with real and ideal self concept, discrepancy between real and ideal self concepts and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was significantly correlated with real self concept and discrepancy between real and ideal self concepts. Trends in the data suggested that the younger subjects (20-25 years) had lower real and ideal self ratings and were less satisfied with their lives than the elderly subjects (60-75 years).

Discriminant validity of well-being measures.

“…Using daily reports of mood and selfesteem, Diener and Emmons (1984) found that self-esteem correlated (across two studies) .46 and .34 with positive affect and -.40 and -.46 with negative affect. Similar results have been found in a national U.S. probability sample (Andrews, 1974), an adult married sample in the U.S. (Veroff, Feld, & Gurin, 1962), and by others (e.g., Czaja, 1975;Kozma& Stones, 1978;Pomerantz, 1978;Reid &Ziegler, 1980;Wilson, 1960).…”

Assessment of happiness among young adults: A construct validation study

“…Of any variable that has been listed, self-esteem Is thought to be one of the most Important predictors of subjective happiness. This finding has been well reported In the research literature (Anderson, 1977;Czaja, 1975;Drumgoole, 1981;Glnandes, 1977;Hlgglns, 1978;Kozma & Stones, 1978;Peterson, 1975;Pomerantz, 1978;Raid & Zlegler, 1980;VanCoeverlng, 1974;Wilson, 1960). Campbell et al (1976) found self-esteem to be one of the highest correlations of any variable.…”

“…Within this category of social relationships is another type of variable, self-esteem. It was associated with successful social func tioning and feelings of happiness (Anderson, 1977;Czaja, 1975;Drumgoole, 1981;Glnandes, 1977;Higgins, 1978;Kozma & Stones, 1978;Peterson, 1975;Pomerantz, 1978;Reid & Zlegler, 1980;VanCoeverlng, 1974;Wilson, 1960).…”

Quality of life and its correlates in a community population in a Japanese rural area

“…Thus, Kuhlen reported that young people were happier, 63 while Andrews and Withey, 64 Alston et al, 27 and Spreitzer and Snyder 65 reported no age effect on happiness. However, Czaja, 66 Bortner and Hultsch, 67 Clemente and Sauer 28 and Medley 68 reported that old people were happier. Our results are in line with this general trend.…”