Developmental task achievement and learned resourcefulness in healthy older adults

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 1999 Feb;13(1):41-7. doi: 10.1016/s0883-9417(99)80016-8.

Abstract

Although resourcefulness has been found to promote healthy functioning and is believed to be learned throughout life, studies have not examined relationships between developmental variables and resourcefulness. This study examined Erikson's eight developmental tasks as predictors of learned resourcefulness in 60 healthy elders. Hierarchical regression based on Erikson's theory revealed that 37% of the variance in learned resourcefulness was explained by trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, and identity whereas intimacy, generativity, and integrity were not significant. The results suggest that mastery of developmental tasks through adolescence play a key role in determining how resourceful healthy elders are in their daily activities.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Aged / psychology*
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Female
  • Human Development*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires