A Lifespan Perspective on Dependency and Self-Criticism: Age-Related Differences from 18 to 59

A sizeable body of research suggests that self-definition and relatedness represent two fundamental developmental streams across the lifespan (Blatt in Psychoanal Study Child 29:107–157, 1974; Blatt and Luyten in Dev Psychopathol 21:793–814, 2009). Adverse developmental experiences have been found to affect personality development leading to high levels of self-criticism or dependency. No research to date has examined the developmental trends of these factors across the lifespan or the moderating impact of important life experiences. In a sample of 3,586 Canadians aged 18–59, age-related differences in self-criticism and dependency were examined. Analyses were replicated in a multicultural sample of 612 Canadians and 647 individuals born and currently living on the continent of Asia. Controlling for both neuroticism and depressive symptoms, results showed that self-criticism and dependency decreased linearly across the lifespan in both samples and across cultures; however, the decrease in self-criticism was steeper for men compared to women, while the decrease in dependency was steeper for those without children compared to those with children. Furthermore, participants who were in a romantic relationship showed lower levels of self-criticism and higher levels of dependency compared to those who were not in a romantic relationship. Results suggest that people may develop a healthier view of close relationships with others and acquire more positive self-views over the course of their lives.