Structure of the self-concept from adolescence through old age.

The continuity over the major portion of the life-span (ages 9-89 yrs.) of the connotative structure of the self-concept was examined by factor analysis of a semantic differential instrument and found to be essentially constant. Significantly age and sex differences in scores on the four components (Achievement/Leadership, Congeniality/Sociability, Adjustment, and Masculinity-Femininity) emerged and were interpreted.