Social and Temporal Comparisons in Adjustment to Aging

Abstract

In this descriptive study we investigated the relationship of social psychological processes to older adults' self-esteem. A modified semistructured interview format that assessed social and temporal comparisons, self-esteem, and self-rated adjustment to aging was administered to 70 male and female community residents of Southern California. The majority of participants reported downward social comparisons by describing themselves as being relatively advantaged compared with their age peers. Also, participants tended to report downward temporal comparisons that reflected growth or stable temporal comparisons that reflected continuity across time. Results are discussed in light of their implications for Festinger's (1954) social comparison theory, Albert's (1977) temporal comparison theory, and the use of social psychological processes as mechanisms for self-enhancement in healthy aging.