Cultural differences in possible selves during later life

Abstract

This study explored the ways in which culture may influence the hoped-for and feared possible selves of older adults. Cultural differences are explained within the theoretical paradigm of individualism versus collectivism. The sample consisted of 50 Spanish-speaking natives and 50 White non-Hispanic English-speaking natives. Their ages ranged from 60 to over 90 years. Results indicate that the possible selves of native English speakers reflect the characteristics of an individualistic culture, and the possible selves of native Spanish speakers reflect the characteristics of a collectivistic culture. Native English speakers were more likely to have hoped-for selves in the abilities/education domain and feared selves in the physical domains. Native Spanish speakers were more likely to report feared possible selves associated with loss of loved ones and both hoped and feared selves related to family. Moreover, secondary analyses revealed interesting intersections between developmental and cultural themes in later life.