ERIC Number: EJ773424
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 19
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0091-4150
EISSN: N/A
A Phenomenological Study of Wisdom in Later Life
Montgomery, Anita; Barber, Clifton; McKee, Patrick
International Journal of Aging and Human Development, v54 n2 p139-157 2002
There is growing agreement that wisdom is multidimensional. But are the dimensions imputed to wisdom by recent theories congruent with major attributes of wisdom as lived by aging adults? Significant data exist on the attributes that various populations, including elderly populations, "associate" with wisdom. But there is little data available on what attributes and dimensions of wisdom emerge in descriptions of wisdom "as lived" by older adults. To produce such data, we adopted a phenomenological approach to wisdom. Interviews were conducted individually with six older adults. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a qualitative software program known as MAX. We concluded that essential elements of wisdom as it is lived are Guidance, Knowledge, Experience, Moral Principles, Time, and Compassionate Relationships.
Descriptors: Phenomenology, Older Adults, Aging (Individuals), Interviews, Knowledge Level, Computer Software, Qualitative Research, Moral Values, Guidance, Learning Experience
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A