How is the self-image formed and enhanced among older Chinese people: through assimilation or contrast?

Abstract

Background. Older people who view themselves positively, instead of accepting negative stereotyping, are more likely to achieve successful ageing. We examined the means by which elderly Chinese form and enhance their self-image, either through assimilation or downward comparison. Methods. 445 older people in Wuhan, China were asked to fill in the revised Chinese version of the Image of Aging Scale. A canonical correlation analysis was conducted using the older people’s 5 peerimage variables as predictors of the 5 self-image variables to evaluate the multivariate shared relationship between these 2 sets of variables. Results. A positive correlation was identified between peer- and selfimage in elderly Chinese, making the internalisation assumption of assimilation effect more plausible than the downward comparison assumption of contrast effect. Conclusion. Elderly Chinese tend to form their self-image through assimilation (internalisation) rather than downward comparison. This finding enables us to help older Chinese establish a positive self-image more effectively.