Dimensional, social, and temporal comparisons in old age:: self-evaluations, virulence, and preference

Following a study by Filipp, Ferring, Mayer and Schmidt (1997), a sample of N = 105 people between 65 and 92 years of age were asked to make self-evaluations on three dimensions (mental flexibility and memory, physical fitness and health, coping with problems) based on temporal and social comparisons, Additionally, an internal, dimensional comparison perspective was established through which people had to compare their ability in each of the three dimensions with their general ability level. In agreement with the results of Filipp et al., temporal comparisons led to worse self-evaluations, were seen as more important, and were more often chosen than social comparisons were. Dimensional comparisons led to more positive self-evaluations than temporal comparisons did. They were seen as more important and were more often preferred than comparisons with others or temporal comparisons.