The quality of self-concept in old age.

Self-concept in old age was investigated. The goal of the work was to reveal the contents of self-concept, that is, what is included in the sphere of self-assessment, and also to analyze the traditional parameters of self-assessment: its height, stability, adequacy. Specific features of self-concept in old age were found. They concern the contents of self-concept and are characterized by retrospective direction of self-analysis. Total lowering of the level of self-assessment and modification of its structure including real, ideal, attainable positions were found. As compared with previous periods of the life-cycle, self-concept becomes less stable and adequate. Besides the general peculiarities, old people's self-concept is characterized by wide individual variations and sex differences.