The relationship of self actualization and adjustment in retirement and the implications for curriculum development in adult education

Abstract

This research was designed to analyze the relationship of self actualization with successful adjustment to retirement. The subjects were from stratified retirement groups located in the Waco, Texas, area. The sample consisted of 261 individuals --130 males and 131 females. To provide criteria measurements for the study of Personal Orientation Inventory was used to measure self actualization concepts and the Retirement Descriptive Index was used to measure successful adjustment to retirement. A partial canonical correlation analysis was used to test the relationship of the POI with the RDI. Statistical treatment yielded a canonical correlation co-efficient of .4589 significant beyond the .0001 level. The sample was composed of six groups: Retire Teachers, Community Center, City Community, Rural Community, Black Community, and Veterans. A partial canonical correlation analysis was used with each of the six groups. The partial canonical correlations were significant for five of the six groups beyond the .05 level. It was concluded from analysis of the data that self actualization concepts contribute to successful adjustment to retirement. Implications for adult education were that self actualization concepts are non-threatening and meet the criteria of "The Teachable Moment" for the retirement age group. Recommendations are that Adult Educators develop programs using self actualization concepts in order to promote programs which facilitate successful life adjustment.