The relationship of self-concept and self-direction to life satisfaction in elderly women

Typescript (photocopy).The purpose of this study was to determine, if possible, what factors in the lives of women contributed to the quality of their life in old age. There is very little known about the older woman and her reality. The limited literature about women has not been particularly helpful in determining the needs of women as they age, nor in determining the factors in their lives that give them satisfaction. The researcher utilized a life history review in this study in an attempt to elicit in the women's own words what factors in life were important to them and what factors had a positive impact on their feelings of life satisfaction. This study had a qualitative design. In-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 30 women who were between 65 and 70 years of age. The interviews and data analysis were conducted over a 10- week period in the fall of 1987. The multiple factors that were found seemed to indicate two major categories. The major categories were the significant relationships and the accomplishments of the women throughout their lives. The relationships included parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and special women friends made throughout life. It did not include husbands in most cases. The marital relationship seemed to have a negative influence on the life satisfaction of these women. The accomplishments included anything which the women felt proud of and which made them feel worthwhile. In some cases it was work outside the home, activities with raising children, activities at a church, or crafts that were produced. Some factors which the women felt had an impact on their relationships and accomplishments included independence and self-sufficiency, assertiveness, education, and interest and activities outside of the home and family. The researcher recommended that educators offer programs in the community that are accessible and visible to young women and young parents to foster accomplishments and learning that improve women's self-concept, independence, and child-rearing skills..