This study examines the role of subjective age in physical health, life satisfaction, and cognitive functioning. Using a national, longitudinal sample (MIDUS [Midlife in the U.S.]), as well as a longitudinal subsample from the Boston area, data on felt age, perceived appearance age, and rater estimated age was used to predict health outcomes. Results showed that felt age is a significant predictor for the health outcomes, with those feeling younger than their actual age having the highest scores. Felt Age was more important than Look Age in predicting health. Those who felt young at both waves had the highest physical health; those who felt younger at Time 1 and older at Time 2 had the lowest level of life satisfaction. This study highlights the many facets of subjective age that are related to health and the importance of exploring longitudinal change in subjective age, especially to establish directionality.
- Perception is Reality: The Power of Subjective Age and its Effect on Physical, Psychological, and Cognitive Health
- Chandra L. Murphy
- Margie Lachman (Advisor)
- Brandeis University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Arts (MA), Brandeis University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Brandeis University
- Brandeis University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- 10192/23192; 9923879927801921
- Copyright by Chandra L. Murphy 2009
- Department of Psychology
- English
- Thesis