Several works have suggested that life proceeds in a pattern of developmental stages characterized by expansion during the early adult years and restriction, or withdrawal, after middle age. Postulating that self-concept might also be expected to reflect this curvilinear pattern of life stages, the author explored differences in adult self-concept measures across age levels. This study assesses the self-concepts of a cross-sectional sample of 500 adults in five age groups, using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale and Forms A and B of the 16 PF Personality Factor Questionnaire. The results support a general life-stages model of change, but the pattern is not a uniform expansion-restriction one for all factors. The self-concept changes suggest a complex pattern which may be, in part, a function of socioeconomic status, age, and social roles. Wide variability is probably attributable to individual differences. The feelings a person reports about himself tend to become more positive with age, with crisis periods experienced in the 30's and 50's. Socioeconomic status affects reported self-concept feelings and apparently masks some areas of concern. How one views himself may be as dependent upon how one perceives his role in life as upon his age. (Author/NMF)