Self-Actualization and Adjustment in Retirement: Implications for Program Development

Abstract

This study investigated the utilization of self-actualization concepts in the development of educational programs to aid suc cessful adjustment in retirement. The population sample consisted of retirees in six stratified social groups reflecting rural, urban, minority, and veteran backgrounds. Extent of self-actualization was determined by the Personal Orientation Inventory and adjust ment to retirement was measured by the Retirement Descriptive Index. A partial canonical correlation and chi square were utilized to treat the data. A positive relationship, significant at the .05 level, was found on the two combined roots for all scales on the R.D.I. and all but one scale of the P.O.I. It was concluded that self-actualizing concepts are definitely involved with successful adjustment to retirement.