Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Self-perception and psychological well-being: the benefits of foreseeing a worse future.

Full Abstract

This study examined whether having a negative expectation of the future may protect well-being in old age. Participants were 200 adults age 60 years or older who rated their current and future selves in the physical and social domains at 2 time points over a 12-month period. Structural equation modeling revealed that future self was positively related to well-being concurrently; yet, it was negatively related to well-being 12 months later, after the authors had controlled for symptoms and current self. Moreover, individuals who underestimated their future selves had higher well-being 12 months later than did those who overestimated their future selves. Findings are interpreted in a framework of discounting: Older adults may actively construct representations of the future that are consistent with the normative age-related declines and losses, so that the effects of these declines and losses are lessened when they actually occur. (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Author information

Author/s: Cheng, Sheung-Tak (ST); Fung, Helene H (HH); Chan, Alfred C M (AC);

Affiliation: Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. tak.cheng(-atsign-)cityu.edu.hk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Psychology and aging (Psychol Aging), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 24 (issue 3) : pp 623-33

Dates: Created 2009/09/10; Completed 2009/10/13;

PMID: 19739918, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/13/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological Aged Aged, 80 and over Aging - psychology Aspirations (Psychology) Attitude to Health Culture Defense Mechanisms Female

Goals Humans Internal-External Control Male Middle Aged Models, Psychological Self Concept Set (Psychology) Social Adjustment

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