Research article summary (published 30 Dec 2001):

A phenomenological study of wisdom in later life.

Full Abstract

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.

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Author information

Author/s: Montgomery, Anita (A); Barber, Clifton (C); McKee, Patrick (P);

Affiliation: Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523-1781, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: International journal of aging & human development (Int J Aging Hum Dev), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 54 (issue 2) : pp 139-57

Dates: Created 2002/06/10; Completed 2002/11/22; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12054272, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Aged - psychology Aged, 80 and over Decision Making Empathy Human Development Humans

Interpersonal Relations Judgment Knowledge Middle Aged Morals United States

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