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Self-Esteem and Psychological Distress in Later Life

University of Michigan

Gwen Alexander

University of Michigan

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between self-esteem and psychological distress in later life. The majority of researchers who have assessed this relationship assume that greater self-esteem is associated with a reduced risk of distress. However, other investigators propose that this relationship may be more complex and that individuals with extremely high as well as extremely low self-esteem are more likely to experience psychological distress than persons with a more moderate sense of self-worth. Findings from a nationwide survey of older adults tend to support the more complex view. It is further hypothesized that people with extremely high self-esteem are at risk because they tend to be isolated from their social network members. This hypothesis is also supported by the data. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 2, No. 4, 419-438 (1990)
DOI: 10.1177/089826439000200401


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