Getting older, getting better? Personal strivings and psychological maturity across the life span

Dev Psychol. 2001 Jul;37(4):491-501.

Abstract

Measures of psychological maturity based on personal strivings (R. A. Emmons, 1989) were administered to 108 adults aged 17-82. On the basis of organismic-theoretical assumptions regarding maturity, age was hypothesized to be positively associated with K. M. Sheldon and T. Kasser's (1995, 1998) two goal-based measures of personality integration. E. Erikson's (1963) assumptions regarding maturity were the basis for the hypothesis that older people would tend to list more strivings concerning generativity and ego integrity and fewer strivings concerning identity and intimacy. Finally, on the basis of past research findings, maturity and age were hypothesized to be positively associated with subjective well-being. Results supported these hypotheses and also showed that measured maturity mediated the relationship between age and well-being. Thus, older individuals may indeed be more psychologically mature than younger people and may be happier as a result.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / psychology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Personality Development*
  • Self Concept
  • Surveys and Questionnaires