Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Developmental Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Nicky J. Newton

Advisor Role

Advisor

Abstract

Transitions such as retirement may facilitate change in social and psychological dynamics, perhaps encouraging what Butler (2002) refers to as a life review: an introspective process encouraging reflection on the life course, potentially eliciting regret(s). Older adults may especially be tasked with coming to terms with the life they have lived given time constraints and perceivably less opportunity to rectify paths not taken. Drawing upon Erikson’s (1950) stages of generativity and ego integrity, the purpose of the present study is to understand the role of psychosocial development in the presence or absence of regret as well as to further understand which specific factors may contribute to well-being in retirement. Overall, results indicate relationships between generativity, ego integrity, and two types of well-being (satisfaction with life [SWL] and meaning in life [MIL]). Scores on generativity and MIL were not significantly different between those who expressed having regrets compared with those who did not have any regrets, whereas scores on ego integrity and SWL were significantly different. However, frequency analyses revealed that most retirees did not indicate having regrets and for those that did, career- and family-related regrets were expressed most frequently. Finally, generativity and ego integrity, but not regret, were predictors of both types of well-being. These findings highlight the impact of psychosocial factors on coming to terms with regret and well-being outcomes among retirees.

Convocation Year

2019

Convocation Season

Spring

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