Retirement concepts predict retirement anxiety and expected retirement adjustment in Slovak pre-retirees

Abstract

This study investigates four retirement concepts—imposed disruption, new start, continuation in activities, and life without change—that shape pre-retirees’ expectations about retirement. Expectations regarding retirement play a critical role in the pre-retirement phase, influencing retirement decisions, adjustment, and overall satisfaction. The study examined how these concepts predict retirement concerns and anticipated adjustment, alongside socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, marital status, socioeconomic status) and psychological variables (retirement attitudes, self-efficacy). Data were collected from a sample of 450 Slovak pre-retirees (aged 50–64) using a comprehensive questionnaire. Results indicated that retirement concepts significantly predicted retirement concerns and anticipated adjustment, with imposed disruption—characterized by the loss of valued activities—emerging as the strongest predictor. This concept was associated with heightened concerns and greater challenges in adapting to retirement, underscoring its importance in understanding retirement outcomes.