This study explored the ways in which culture may influence the hoped-for and feared
possible selves of older adults. Cultural differences are explained within the theoretical
paradigm of individualism versus collectivism. The sample consisted of 50 Spanish-
speaking natives and 50 White non-Hispanic English-speaking natives. Their ages ranged
from 60 to over 90 years. Results indicate that the possible selves of native English speakers
reflect the characteristics of an individualistic culture, and the possible selves of native …

This study explored the ways in which culture may influence the future self-representations
of older adults. Cultural differences are explained within the theoretical paradigm of
individualism vs. collectivism. The sample consisted of 100 older adults, comprised of 50
Spanish-speaking natives and 50 English-speaking natives. Their ages ranged from 60 to
over 90 years. Participants were given interviews consisting of demographic information and
The Possible Selves Inventory. Results indicate that the possible selves of native English …