Measuring Effective Functioning in the Elderly: An Application of Erikson's Theory

This study seeks to assess effective functioning within Erikson's epigenetic theory of development, in a sample of 143 Elderhostel participants who were administered the Inventory of Psychosocial Balance (IPB) and the California Psychological. Inventory (CPI) Self-Realization (Sr) scale. A correlational analysis indicated no major systematic sex differences, but significant intercorrelations between the IPB scales and the Self-Realization scale. Multiple regression analyses indicated that in men, Trust is the most important variable, with Generativity and Intimacy yielding negative weights, whereas for women, Identity is the major component, with Industry, Autonomy, Generativity, and Trust yielding negative weights. The results support the utility of the IPB as a vehicle to study psychosocial development in the elderly.