Image Theory, Goal Incompatibility, and Retirement Intent
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| Title: | Image Theory, Goal Incompatibility, and Retirement Intent |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Brougham, Ruby R., Walsh, David A. |
| Source: | International Journal of Aging and Human Development. 2007 65(3):203-229. |
| Availability: | Baywood Publishing Company, Inc. 26 Austin Avenue, P.O. Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701. Tel: 800-638-7819; Tel: 631-691-1270; Fax: 631-691-1770; e-mail: info@baywood.com; Web site: http://baywood.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Physical Description: | |
| Page Count: | 27 |
| Publication Date: | 2007 |
| Document Type: | Information Analyses Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Self Concept, Prediction, Older Workers, Retirement, Intention, Goal Orientation |
| ISSN: | 0091-4150 |
| Abstract: | Identity, as a guiding concept for work and retirement decisions, is explored in the current study. Image theory suggests that actions that "fit" with the goals of the trajectory image are fundamental for maintaining a positive and consistent self-identity (Beach, 1998; Beach & Mitchell, 1987). Incompatibility is the mechanism that evaluates whether retiring or continued work provides sufficient "it" with the goals one hopes to achieve. In the current study, the "it" of the trajectory image with retirement and work was measured in 238 full-time employees. Consistent with image theory predictions, individuals' perception of the incompatibility between five personal goals, within the trajectory image, and the choices of working and retiring predicted 25% of their retirement intent. Further support for goal incompatibility as a decision criterion is provided by findings showing it yielded better prediction than an alternative model based on goal facilitation, and equal prediction to an alternative model based on cost/benefit. Overall, the results are consistent with image theory and expand on continuity theory's (Atchley, 1999) concept of identity as fundamental for predicting retirement intent. (Contains 3 figures, 5 tables, and 1 footnote.) |
| Abstractor: | Author |
| Number of References: | 24 |
| Entry Date: | 2007 |
| Access URL: | https://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=RL647576L1282K75 |
| Accession Number: | EJ777774 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Identity, as a guiding concept for work and retirement decisions, is explored in the current study. Image theory suggests that actions that "fit" with the goals of the trajectory image are fundamental for maintaining a positive and consistent self-identity (Beach, 1998; Beach & Mitchell, 1987). Incompatibility is the mechanism that evaluates whether retiring or continued work provides sufficient "it" with the goals one hopes to achieve. In the current study, the "it" of the trajectory image with retirement and work was measured in 238 full-time employees. Consistent with image theory predictions, individuals' perception of the incompatibility between five personal goals, within the trajectory image, and the choices of working and retiring predicted 25% of their retirement intent. Further support for goal incompatibility as a decision criterion is provided by findings showing it yielded better prediction than an alternative model based on goal facilitation, and equal prediction to an alternative model based on cost/benefit. Overall, the results are consistent with image theory and expand on continuity theory's (Atchley, 1999) concept of identity as fundamental for predicting retirement intent. (Contains 3 figures, 5 tables, and 1 footnote.) |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0091-4150 |
