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A Concept Analysis of Self-Knowledge in the Context of Aging

A Concept Analysis of Self-Knowledge in the Context of Aging. Jennifer Barrows, BSN PhD student. The Council for the advancement of nursing Science 2012 State of the science congress on nursing research. Background. The population of older adults in the U.S. continues to grow

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A Concept Analysis of Self-Knowledge in the Context of Aging

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  1. A Concept Analysis of Self-Knowledge in the Context of Aging Jennifer Barrows, BSN PhD student The Council for the advancement of nursing Science 2012 State of the science congress on nursing research

  2. Background • The population of older adults in the U.S. continues to grow • Research with older adults has typically emphasized deficits rather than individual strengths • New models are needed to promote among older adults

  3. Problem • Self-knowledge applied to successful aging is poorly understood • Research is needed to identify the components of self-knowledge in older adults that contribute to health promotion efforts

  4. Purpose • To examine the concept of self-knowledge in older adults: • Definition • Attributes • Antecedents • Consequences • Empirical referents • To discuss application of the concept to gerontological nursing

  5. Methods • Literature search • English language literature 2000 - 2011 • PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO • Title search • Abstract review • Walker and Avant’s (2011) analytic procedures • Text review and data extraction

  6. Theoretical Context In the Wellness Motivation Theory, health behavior change is conceptualized as a dynamic process of intention formation and goal-directed behavior leading to the development of new and positive health patterns (Fleury, 1991, 1996).

  7. Definition of Self-Knowledge • Self‐knowledge is an understanding of one’s own unique ways of being, including physical characteristics, personality traits, and psychological attributes. It is an awareness of the cognitive, affective, and executive aspects of the self that give meaning to life patterns, assign mental images, and guide motivational behavior. • Self-knowledge is dynamic and evolving, continuously being refined over time. The content, nature, and function of self-knowledge represent personally significant abstractions that embody one’s life experience. • Self-knowledge is constructed by the individual and shaped by social, cultural, contextual, and environmental influences.

  8. Attributes of Self-Knowledge • Unique • Highly personal and individualized • Dynamic • Evolving and expanding over time • Interactive • Responsive to social environment

  9. Attributes of Self-Knowledge Self-Knowledge: • Provides a conceptual foundation for assigning meaning to the process of health behavior change (Fleury & Sedikides, 2007). • Frames and guides the generation of goals, creation of intentions, and perception of individual capabilities (Fleury, 1991, 1996; Hooker & Kaus, 1992). • Provides a context of meaning through which individuals acknowledge their hopes and fears for the future, facilitating the activation of needed processes to achieve health goals (Fleury & Sedikides, 2007).

  10. Dimensions of Self-Knowledge d (Fleury & Sedikides, 2007)

  11. Antecedents of Self-Knowledge • Cognitive capacity • Awareness • Perception • Age and experience • Observation and education • Reflection and introspection • Interaction with social environment • Art: creative process of discovery • Esthetic way of knowing (Carper, 1978)

  12. Consequences of Self-Knowledge • Construction of behavioral plans to realize future health outcomes. • Motivation to plan and integrate behavioral change into daily life (Delgado, 2010).

  13. Self-Knowledge Empirical Referents Self-Knowledge Inventory (Hooker & Kaus, 1992) List one health issue that concerns you the most, or that you think needs improving: ______________________________________________________ What goals have you set to improve your health related to this problem? _______________________________________________________________ What activities are you currently doing or thinking about to improve your health related to the problem? ____________________________________________ Response Choices 1 = I am sure I can 2 = Maybe I can 3 = I am sure I cannot How able do you feel that you can perform your activities listed, on a daily basis? (Please circle one number) • 2 3 How likely do you think it is that you will achieve your goals? (Please circle one number) 1 2 3

  14. Conclusions • The nature and structure of self- knowledge provides important information about individual beliefs, values, abilities, goals, strengths, and priorities. • Self-knowledge in older adults represents a promising perspective for theory-based interventions that build on the strengths of older adults.

  15. Aging is not “lost youth” but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Betty Friedan (1921 – 2006)

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