A Flaw in Gerontological Assessment: The Weak Relationship of Elderly Superficial Life Satisfaction to Deep Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

This study assessed the degree of relationship between superficial and deep psychological adjustment among elderly individuals. Eighty-six middle-class, Anglo persons averaging seventy-six years of age participated. Roughly one-half of the sample were “independent living,” with the other half “congregate apartment dwelling.” A similarly equal representation of both sexes was achieved. Superficial psychological well-being was measured using Cantril's Self-Anchoring Scale for life satisfaction, while deep psychological well-being was measured using portions of the Eriksonian-based Measures of Psychosocial Development. It was hypothesized that no more than a moderate correlation (.50) would be found to exist between shallow and deep psychological adjustment. This hypothesis was confirmed, suggesting that gerontologists need to cease relying on superficial psychological measures for elderly assessment, and implement more depth-oriented tests. It is argued that failure to do this promulgates an unfortunate tradition of shallow, inaccurate psychological measurement within gerontology.