AGE DIFFERENCES IN SELF-CONCEPT FROM EARLY ADULTHOOD THROUGH OLD AGE1

Several works have suggested that life proceeds in a pattern of developmental stages characterized by expansion doing the early adult years and restriction, or withdrawal, after middle age._ Postulating that self-concept might also be expected to reflect this curvilinear pattern of life stages, the author explored differences in adult self-concept measures across age levels. This study assesses the self-concepts of a cross-sectional sample of 500 adults in five age groups, using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and Forms A and B of the 16 PF Personality Factor Questionnaire..The results support a general life-stages model of change, but the pattern is not a uniform expansion-restriction one for all factors,.The self-concept changes suggest a complex pattern which may be, in part, a function of socioeconomic status, age, and social roles..Wide variability is probably attributable to individual differences.. The feelings a person reports about himself tend to become more positive with age, with crisis periods experienced in the 30's and 501s..Socioeconomic status affects reported self-concept feelings and apparently masks some areas of concern..How one views himself may be.as dependent upon how one perceives his role in life as upon his age..(Author/NMF).FILMLL) rt.LUvi DLOJ. r % V A.1.1a1-11.).L.L+ NS Va..i