Define possible selves and explain how they shift from early to middle adulthood

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Possible selves are future-oriented representations of what one hopes to become and what one is afraid of becoming. Possible selves are the temporal dimension of self-concept—what the individual is striving for and attempting to avoid. To lifespan researchers, these hopes and fears are just as vital in explaining behavior as people’s views of their current characteristics. Indeed, possible selves may be an especially strong motivator of action in midlife, as adults attach increased meaning to time. As we age, we may rely less on social comparisons in judging our self-worth and more on temporal comparisons—how well we are doing in relation to what we had planned. Throughout adulthood, the personality traits people assign to their current selves show considerable stability. But reports of possible selves change greatly. Adults in their early twenties mention many possible selves, and their visions are lofty and idealistic. With age, possible selves become fewer in number, more modest and concrete, and less far-off in realization. Most middle-aged people no longer desire to be the best or the most successful in life. Instead, they are largely concerned with performance of roles and responsibilities already begun. Because the future no longer holds limitless opportunities, adults preserve mental health by adjusting their hopes and fears. To stay motivated, they must maintain a sense of unachieved possibility, yet they must still manage to feel good about themselves and their lives despite disappointments.