Multiple Trajectories and Predictors of Self-Esteem Change in Later Life: A Latent Growth Mixture Modeling Approach
Abstract
Applying latent growth mixture modeling (GMM), this study delves into the examination of self-esteem trajectories in a sample of 5,597 older adults over a nine-year period. Four distinct patterns of self-esteem changes have emerged: low, decreasing, increasing, and high. Additionally, the study explores the relationships between each trajectory and various predictors encompassing demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health, and interpersonal relationships. The findings highlight the significance of these factors in predicting the likelihood of an individual following a specific self-esteem trajectory. Notably, maintaining employment, fostering satisfactory social relationships, and being free of frequent depressive feelings emerged as strong predictors for the stability and increase of high self-esteem. Intriguingly, an average or above-average income was unexpectedly associated with lower levels of self-esteem. The study emphasizes the contribution of GMM to advancing aging research.
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Biographies
Dr. Seung Won Yoon is professor of human resource development and HR/people analytics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on improving employees’ and organizational performance through leadership, learning/knowledge sharing, and technologies. To do so he frequently applies theories of social capital and computational methods.
Dr. Hyunok Ryu's recent publications focused on work and learning of older adults and her dissertation is on educating the public to raise mortality awareness.
Dr. Daeyeon Cho is a professor of Human Resource Development (HRD) at Korea University. He is the director of Research Institute for HRD Policy. His research interests have been on analytical approaches of learning and performance needs, organizational learning, and managerial coaching.
Dr. Johyun Kim is professor of higher education. Her research focuses on high school to college transition, dual credit enrollment, and student retention and graduation in community college settings. She is also conducting research on underserved youth's and adult students’ academic success in higher education settings.
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Article first published online: March 25, 2024
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