Year

1995

Paper Type

Master's Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (MACP)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Christopher Leone

Second Advisor

Dr. Russell Jones

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between life events, self-monitoring, and aging. This relationship is explored in the following five areas: religious practices, social networks, intergenerational relationships, retirement, and leisure. It was hypothesized that, compared to low self-monitors, high self-monitors would (a) spend less time in private devotional activities as they age, (b) feel a heavier impact from the reduction in the quantity of social networks, (c) have more distant intergenerational ties, (d) adjust to forced retirement more quickly, and ( e) be less satisfied with leisure time as they age. The 120 volunteer participants ranged in age from 51 through 93. The Self-Monitoring Scale (Snyder, 1974) and the Impact of Events Inventory were administered in structured individual interviews. Findings support the hypothesis that high self-monitors will experience more impact from the reduction in the quantity of social networks as they age. However, the results fail to support the other four hypotheses. Possible alternative explanations for these findings are explored. An appeal is made for future research on the topic of self-monitoring and aging.

Share

COinS