BACKGROUND Self-defining future projections (SDFP) are mental representations of plausible and highly significant future events that provide core information of one's understanding of self. OBJECTIVE We explored SDFPs in a… Click to show full abstract
BACKGROUND Self-defining future projections (SDFP) are mental representations of plausible and highly significant future events that provide core information of one's understanding of self. OBJECTIVE We explored SDFPs in a large sample of older adults and aimed to target the interrelations between the main dimensions of SDFPs. Moreover, correlations between these dimensions and clinical and cognitive variables were examined. METHOD We recruited 87 young-old adults (60-75 years) with normal cognitive functioning who were invited to present three SDFPs. RESULTS We found integrative meaning as a salient dimension and older individuals preferentially generated projections containing leisure or relationship events. Anxiety and self-esteem were correlated with integrative meaning and high executive functioning was found to be protective towards the simulation of future events containing dependence and death or end-of-life events. CONCLUSION This study will contribute to the understanding of personal goals and identity in normal ageing.
               
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