M.A. (Counselling Psychology) / The process of retirement is perceived by many as the 'end of' rather than the 'beginning of ' an important part of their life. As Michelan (in Osgood, 1982, p.29) says, " the major dilemma facing the retired elderly is essentially how to substitute a new set of personal values and new kinds of activities for the life long job of earning a living, raising a family, and overcoming the day-to-day obstacles which effect income, status and career." One is immediately led to ask whether retirement does indeed entail unstructured free time, new activities and role characteristics or whether the aging persons in question are not being ascribed a preconceived, stereotyped role in society - distantly removed from the real experience of this relatively newly created developmental phase in human life. For example, Achenbaum (in Graebner, 1980, p.11) feels that in the pas t, American elderly people were valued for their insight into the sources of longevity, for their wisdom in creating a new world order for the United States, for the moral guidance they could bring to youth, for their knowledge of farming, and for their performance of domestic duties. However, these categories of 'usefulness' conceal a peculiar softness - the aged being valued for little more than their knowledge, advice and guidance.

No description available.

This study examines the role of emotional awareness in the retirement transition. Retirement is viewed as one of the transitions in later life and has psychological consequences. It is an objective development and social-psychological transformation that is related to physical and psychological well-being. Research has shown that emotional awareness can have an impact on the retirement transition. A correlational research survey design was used for this study to determine and establish the role of emotional awareness, preparation and emotional responses in the retirement transition. Using a five-point Likert Scale, respondents were asked to score their responses to twenty-eight items. The questionnaire was distributed to retirees on the data bases of two financial companies that manage retirement funds. The SurveyMonkey application was used to distribute the survey to one financial company’s data base, and email was used for the other. Statistics such as means, relationships between factors, Cronbach’s Alpha, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings of this study demonstrate inconclusive evidence of emotional awareness in retirement. In addition to this, there were no significant findings regarding preparation for retirement or emotional response to retirement which indicates a neutral attitude to preparation and retirement, on average. There is a need for further future studies that include a more balanced sample representation of men and women, a comparative study based on different cultures to determine if differences exist in the experience of emotions in the retirement transition, and a field study in retirement homes and villages to corroborate the findings of this study.

Thesis (M. A. (Social Work)) -- University of the North, 1998 / Refer to document

Facing retirement can be a stressful experience for sonne older adults. A cognitive-behavioural intervention was designed to help older wonnen cope with retirement anxiety, specifically targeting positive images of self in the future, described by Markus and Nurius (1986) as possible selves. Sixty-one preretirement women ranging in age from 49 to 71 (/W = 59.9) were randomly assigned to either a targeted-change group, a structured-discussion group, or a wait-list control group. The targeted-change group and the structured-discussion group met for 2 hours a week for 8 weeks. A modified state form of the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983), the Short form of the Multiscore Depression Inventory (Berndt, 1986), the Retirement Self-efficacy questionnaire (Poser & Engels, 1983), and a measure of possible selves were administered pre- and post-treatment, with a 3-month follow-up. Following the post-test, participants in the wait-list were assigned to one of the retirement seminars. It was predicted that from pre- to post-test participants in the targeted-change group would show a greater change in the measures than participants in the structured-discussion groups who would in turn, show a greater change than participants in the wait-list. The predictions were tested using planned orthogonal univariate tests. Retirement self-efficacy and positive possible selves increased more for participants in the targeted-change group and structured-discussion groups than for participants in the wait-list from pre-test to post-test. In addition, positive possible selves increased more for participants in the targeted-change than for participants in the structureddiscussion group from pre-test to the average of post-test and follow-up. It was concluded that the interventions were effective in changing how participants saw themselves in the future. Conclusions with regard to treatment efficacy, however, were restricted by observed change in the wait-list group on the anxiety measure following the initial interview, The results are discussed in terms of non-specific treatment effects, along with issues relating to research on possible selves, and implications for retirement programmes.

Facing retirement can be a stressful experience for sonne older adults. A cognitive-behavioural intervention was designed to help older wonnen cope with retirement anxiety, specifically targeting positive images of self in the future, described by Markus and Nurius (1986) as possible selves. Sixty-one preretirement women ranging in age from 49 to 71 (/W = 59.9) were randomly assigned to either a targeted-change group, a structured-discussion group, or a wait-list control group. The targeted-change group and the structured-discussion group met for 2 hours a week for 8 weeks. A modified state form of the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, Lushene, Vagg, & Jacobs, 1983), the Short form of the Multiscore Depression Inventory (Berndt, 1986), the Retirement Self-efficacy questionnaire (Poser & Engels, 1983), and a measure of possible selves were administered pre- and post-treatment, with a 3-month follow-up. Following the post-test, participants in the wait-list were assigned to one of the retirement seminars. It was predicted that from pre- to post-test participants in the targeted-change group would show a greater change in the measures than participants in the structured-discussion groups who would in turn, show a greater change than participants in the wait-list. The predictions were tested using planned orthogonal univariate tests. Retirement self-efficacy and positive possible selves increased more for participants in the targeted-change group and structured-discussion groups than for participants in the wait-list from pre-test to post-test. In addition, positive possible selves increased more for participants in the targeted-change than for participants in the structureddiscussion group from pre-test to the average of post-test and follow-up. It was concluded that the interventions were effective in changing how participants saw themselves in the future. Conclusions with regard to treatment efficacy, however, were restricted by observed change in the wait-list group on the anxiety measure following the initial interview, The results are discussed in terms of non-specific treatment effects, along with issues relating to research on possible selves, and implications for retirement programmes. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

The present study compared the effects of two types of preretirement programs, a traditional and a lifestyles, on attitude toward retirement, attitudes toward planning for retirement, and interest levels for the content of the two programs for employees varying in age, gender, and occupational status at a large university in the Southeastern United States. The primary focus of the traditional program was on describing consequences to expect following retirement, such as income decline, health care costs, and alterations in social and leisure activities. In contrast, the primary focus of the lifestyles approach was on describing how one could plan ahead to address potentially undesirable consequences in the areas of financial stability, health care, or social/leisure lifestyle which might affect adjustment to retirement. Prior to participation in the planning seminars, which contained both traditional and lifestyles program formats, males in the younger age group perceived themselves as less prepared for retirement and exhibited a more negative attitude toward retirement than did those in the older age group. Males in the younger age group demonstrated significantly more positive attitude changes following participation in the planning seminars, while males in the older age group did not. After attending these programs, younger age group males felt more prepared for retirement, perceived retirement more positively, and felt preretirement planning was more useful than they had prior to participation. Analysis of female employees’ responses indicated that participation in the planning programs had no impact on their attitudes toward retirement and preretirement planning, regardless of their age or perceived level of preparedness. The study also found that, as predicted, older participants were more interested in the traditional presentation than they were in the lifestyles format. In contrast, younger participants were equally interested in the traditional and lifestyles formats. As females did not change in their attitude toward retirement or perception of how well prepared they were for retirement, the possibility was supported that current programs may not be adequately addressing the preretirement planning needs of female participants. Implications for future preretirement planning efforts are discussed. / Ph. D.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo compreender a experiência da transição para a aposentadoria em atletas profissionais de diferentes modalidades esportivas. Crianças e jovens enfrentam períodos de transição ao longo da prática esportiva e as orientações recebidas podem auxiliar em seu desenvolvimento. Diversos trabalhos apontam para prejuízos na vida dos atletas na fase da aposentadoria, porém pouco sabemos como vivenciaram o processo de transição. Buscamos compreender, pelo relato de atletas profissionais, a experiência da transição para a aposentadoria; a partir da sua recordação, investigar se houve planejamento para este momento e o que o atleta buscou como apoio. Desejamos produzir informações e reflexões que possam, a partir dos dados coletados, gerar propostas teóricas e intervenções psicológicas para oferecer apoio e suporte a atletas após a parada da atividade esportiva. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, tendo sido realizadas entrevistas abertas, com base na pergunta disparadora: Como foi a sua experiência no período de transição para a aposentadoria? Participaram deste estudo seis ex-atletas profissionais, duas mulheres e quatro homens de diferentes modalidades esportivas, que se aposentaram. Os colaboradores foram indicados por meio de pessoas conhecidas e aceitaram participar. Para a análise compreensiva das narrativas destacamos os trechos mais representativos e organizados em categorias temáticas, que foram surgindo e se estruturando a partir dos relatos, não tendo sido estabelecidas a priori. Compreendemos os relatos como experiências vividas pelos colaboradores, buscando uma aproximação da compreensão do fenômeno da experiência de transição para a aposentadoria de atletas. A análise mostrou que: 1) O processo de transição pode ser útil para que o atleta se organize nas questões práticas e emocionais, preparando-se para a aposentadoria; 2) Os atletas buscam apoio na família, num técnico ou em pessoas próximas; ao procurarem apoio profissional, esperam conseguir orientação prática sobre outra atividade. A maioria não busca apoio profissional para cuidados psicológicos; 3) Por mais preparados que estejam, os atletas vivenciam a aposentadoria como perda, podendo entrar em processo de luto. O acolhimento adequado pode ajudá-los a lidar com o processo de transição e com a aposentadoria. Tendo como base os aspectos observados, foram apresentadas orientações a profissionais da saúde, de educação física e esporte, técnicos, familiares e pessoas próximas dos atletas. Este trabalho pode contribuir com reflexões para técnicos e outros profissionais do esporte, na compreensão dos sentimentos vivenciados neste período e no sentido da importância do planejamento para a aposentadoria como forma de organização emocional. É fundamental envidar esforços a fim de auxiliar atletas aposentados em direção a uma maior comunicação e expressão de sentimentos relacionados à perda por morte simbólica, acreditando que um acolhimento adequado pode ajudá-los a lidar com esse momento e recomeço em outra atividade / The present study aimed to understand the experience of transition to retirement among athletes of different sports. Children and young people face periods of transition throughout sports practice and the guidance received can assist helps the development. Several studies point to the consequences in the lives of athletes during retirement, but little is known how they experienced the transition process. We collected the reports of professional athletes, the experience of the transition to retirement, and investigate whether there has been planning for this moment, what was sough as support. We aimed to produce information and reflections that can considering the data collected, generate theory and reflections about psychological interventions to provide support and assistance to athletes after interrupting sports activity. This is qualitative research and open interviews were conducted with a starting question: \"How was your experience during the transition to retirement?\" The study included six former professional athletes, four men and two women from different sports that have retired. The participants were indicated by acquaintances and accepted to participate. For a comprehensive analysis of the narratives were highlighted the most representative excerpts and organized into themes emerging from the accounts and have not been established a priori. The reports were understood as experiences of the participants, aiming to understand the phenomenon of the experience of transition to retirement in athletes. The analysis showed that: 1) The transition process can be useful for the athlete to organize practical and emotional issues in preparing for retirement; 2) Athletes seek support with family, coach or proxy. Most do not seek professional help for psychological care; 3) Though there is a preparation the athletes experience retirement as a loss and go through a bereavement process. A proper care can help them cope with the transition and retirement. Based on the observed aspects guidelines were presented to health, physical education and sport professionals, coaches, family, and people that are close to the athletes. This work may contribute to coaches and other professionals of the sport to understand the feelings experienced during this period and towards the importance of planning for retirement as a form of emotional organization. The efforts are essential to help retired athletes toward greater communication and expression of feelings related to the loss of the sport activity as Oaf symbolic death, believing that proper care can help deal with that moment and resume in another activity

The problem investigated in this research, comprising 2 studies, concerned factors influencing successful transition to retirement. Study 1 employed a survey methodology to explore the effects of demographics, involvement in activities, and the use of effective coping strategies/styles on depression-happiness levels.Study 2, emerged from the findings of Study 1. Comprising 84 participants, it used an experimental design, and investigated whether retirees could develop coping strategies to enhance happiness. Participants were matched according to their Depression Happiness Scale scores, and then one from each pair was randomly assigned either to a treatment group or to a control group.Implications from the research are that a coping skills program can be successful in enhancing happiness levels, and it may be beneficial to include happiness indicators in government social policies. Results obtained increased the understanding of factors contributing to a healthy adjustment in the later years of life.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo compreender a experiência da transição para a aposentadoria em atletas profissionais de diferentes modalidades esportivas. Crianças e jovens enfrentam períodos de transição ao longo da prática esportiva e as orientações recebidas podem auxiliar em seu desenvolvimento. Diversos trabalhos apontam para prejuízos na vida dos atletas na fase da aposentadoria, porém pouco sabemos como vivenciaram o processo de transição. Buscamos compreender, pelo relato de atletas profissionais, a experiência da transição para a aposentadoria; a partir da sua recordação, investigar se houve planejamento para este momento e o que o atleta buscou como apoio. Desejamos produzir informações e reflexões que possam, a partir dos dados coletados, gerar propostas teóricas e intervenções psicológicas para oferecer apoio e suporte a atletas após a parada da atividade esportiva. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, tendo sido realizadas entrevistas abertas, com base na pergunta disparadora: Como foi a sua experiência no período de transição para a aposentadoria? Participaram deste estudo seis ex-atletas profissionais, duas mulheres e quatro homens de diferentes modalidades esportivas, que se aposentaram. Os colaboradores foram indicados por meio de pessoas conhecidas e aceitaram participar. Para a análise compreensiva das narrativas destacamos os trechos mais representativos e organizados em categorias temáticas, que foram surgindo e se estruturando a partir dos relatos, não tendo sido estabelecidas a priori. Compreendemos os relatos como experiências vividas pelos colaboradores, buscando uma aproximação da compreensão do fenômeno da experiência de transição para a aposentadoria de atletas. A análise mostrou que: 1) O processo de transição pode ser útil para que o atleta se organize nas questões práticas e emocionais, preparando-se para a aposentadoria; 2) Os atletas buscam apoio na família, num técnico ou em pessoas próximas; ao procurarem apoio profissional, esperam conseguir orientação prática sobre outra atividade. A maioria não busca apoio profissional para cuidados psicológicos; 3) Por mais preparados que estejam, os atletas vivenciam a aposentadoria como perda, podendo entrar em processo de luto. O acolhimento adequado pode ajudá-los a lidar com o processo de transição e com a aposentadoria. Tendo como base os aspectos observados, foram apresentadas orientações a profissionais da saúde, de educação física e esporte, técnicos, familiares e pessoas próximas dos atletas. Este trabalho pode contribuir com reflexões para técnicos e outros profissionais do esporte, na compreensão dos sentimentos vivenciados neste período e no sentido da importância do planejamento para a aposentadoria como forma de organização emocional. É fundamental envidar esforços a fim de auxiliar atletas aposentados em direção a uma maior comunicação e expressão de sentimentos relacionados à perda por morte simbólica, acreditando que um acolhimento adequado pode ajudá-los a lidar com esse momento e recomeço em outra atividade / The present study aimed to understand the experience of transition to retirement among athletes of different sports. Children and young people face periods of transition throughout sports practice and the guidance received can assist helps the development. Several studies point to the consequences in the lives of athletes during retirement, but little is known how they experienced the transition process. We collected the reports of professional athletes, the experience of the transition to retirement, and investigate whether there has been planning for this moment, what was sough as support. We aimed to produce information and reflections that can considering the data collected, generate theory and reflections about psychological interventions to provide support and assistance to athletes after interrupting sports activity. This is qualitative research and open interviews were conducted with a starting question: \"How was your experience during the transition to retirement?\" The study included six former professional athletes, four men and two women from different sports that have retired. The participants were indicated by acquaintances and accepted to participate. For a comprehensive analysis of the narratives were highlighted the most representative excerpts and organized into themes emerging from the accounts and have not been established a priori. The reports were understood as experiences of the participants, aiming to understand the phenomenon of the experience of transition to retirement in athletes. The analysis showed that: 1) The transition process can be useful for the athlete to organize practical and emotional issues in preparing for retirement; 2) Athletes seek support with family, coach or proxy. Most do not seek professional help for psychological care; 3) Though there is a preparation the athletes experience retirement as a loss and go through a bereavement process. A proper care can help them cope with the transition and retirement. Based on the observed aspects guidelines were presented to health, physical education and sport professionals, coaches, family, and people that are close to the athletes. This work may contribute to coaches and other professionals of the sport to understand the feelings experienced during this period and towards the importance of planning for retirement as a form of emotional organization. The efforts are essential to help retired athletes toward greater communication and expression of feelings related to the loss of the sport activity as Oaf symbolic death, believing that proper care can help deal with that moment and resume in another activity