Continuity and change in possible selves in later life: A 5-year longitudinal study

This study explored how older adults' possible selves (i.e., images of the self in the future) are influenced by the passage of time. We investigated whether possible selves would display continuity or change, and whether bal ance exists in the possible selves repertoire (i.e., presence of a hoped-fo r and a feared self in the same domain). In addition, we examined the influ ence of psychosocial factors (i.e., health locus of control, life satisfact ion). Findings show that both hoped and feared possible selves remain stabl e and balanced over time. When change was found it was generally emergent i n nature, with domains becoming important over time. This was especially tr ue for the domain of health. As the first reported longitudinal study of po ssible selves, this study highlights the developmental sensitivity of possi ble selves as a tool for understanding the age-related concerns of older ad ults.