THE RESILIENCE OF THE AGING SELF

Two issues are raised concerning the ''aging self'' as conceptualized by many current theories about the life span course of self-maintenanc e. In particular, we address the model proposed by Brandtstadter and G reve (Developmental Review, 14, 52-80, 1994). First, this model assume s that the process of aging places considerable strain on the self. Al though we acknowledge that aging people experience losses, and that th e ratio of gains and losses becomes increasingly negative, we question whether such losses constitute a threat to the self. Second, we argue that Brandtstadter and Greve's model implies that changes in goal sal ience are a result of coping with blocked goals. An alternative approa ch to age-related changes in goal salience is discussed. In this appro ach, specific goals are thought to change as a function of place in th e life cycle. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.