This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Hooker, K. Articles by Kaus, C. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Hooker, K. Articles by Kaus, C. R. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Possible Selves and Health Behaviors in Later Life

Syracuse University

Cheryl R. Kaus, PhD

State University of New York at Oswego

The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-regulatory processes were related to health behaviors in a sample of older adults. We hypothesized that individuals with a possible self in the domain of health would be motivated to engage in health-protective behaviors and thus score more highly on a health behaviors inventory. We also predicted that self-regulatory variables rated in relationship to health-related possible selves would explain a significant amount of variance in health behavior scores. Analyses largely supported these predictions and showed that these self-system variables were more predictive of health behaviors than were global health values. There were differential findings for positive health motivations as opposed to disease avoidance motivations. Results are discussed in reference to the literature on health behavior and aging.

Journal of Aging and Health, Vol. 4, No. 3, 390-411 (1992)
DOI: 10.1177/089826439200400304


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. Werch The Behavior-Image Model: a paradigm for integrating prevention and health promotion in brief interventions Health Educ. Res., October 1, 2007; 22(5): 677 - 690. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. A. Hoppmann, D. Gerstorf, J. Smith, and P. L. Klumb Linking Possible Selves and Behavior: Do Domain-Specific Hopes and Fears Translate Into Daily Activities in Very Old Age? J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., March 1, 2007; 62(2): P104 - P111. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. A. Ouellette, R. Hessling, F. X. Gibbons, M. Reis-Bergan, and M. Gerrard Using Images to Increase Exercise Behavior: Prototypes Versus Possible Selves Pers Soc Psychol Bull, May 1, 2005; 31(5): 610 - 620. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. Hooker and D. P. McAdams Personality Reconsidered: A New Agenda for Aging Research J. Gerontol. B. Psychol. Sci. Soc. Sci., November 1, 2003; 58(6): P296 - 304. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. M. McBride, K. M. Emmons, and I. M. Lipkus Understanding the potential of teachable moments: the case of smoking cessation Health Educ. Res., April 1, 2003; 18(2): 156 - 170. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. D. Frazier, V. Cotrell, and K. Hooker Possible selves and illness: A comparison of individuals with Parkinson's disease, early-stage Alzheimer's disease, and healthy older adults International Journal of Behavioral Development, January 1, 2003; 27(1): 1 - 11. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. D. Frazier, P. M. Johnson, G. K. Gonzalez, and C. L. Kafka Psychosocial influences on possible selves: A comparison of three cohorts of older adults International Journal of Behavioral Development, July 1, 2002; 26(4): 308 - 317. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. E. A. Black, K. F. Stein, and C. J. Loveland-Cherry Older Women and Mammography Screening Behavior: Do Possible Selves Contribute? Health Educ Behav, April 1, 2001; 28(2): 200 - 216. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. E. FONTANE Exercise, Fitness, and Feeling Well American Behavioral Scientist, January 1, 1996; 39(3): 288 - 305.