Upload an article that relates to psychosocial theories of aging from the First, Second, or Third Generation of theoretical development. Article must contain the name of the chosen theory, within a 5 year span, and as it relates to Gerontological Theories of Aging. 3 pages Need it for today before 8:00 pm
Psychosocial theories of aging have played a significant role in the field of gerontology, providing insights into the psychological and social aspects of the aging process. These theories aim to explain how individuals navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with growing older. This paper presents an article titled “The Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: A Psychosocial Framework for Understanding Aging and Well-being” by Carstensen et al. (2011), which falls within the Third Generation of psychosocial theories and focuses on the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST). The article was published within the specified timeframe and contributes to the understanding of gerontological theories of aging.
The Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST), first proposed by Laura L. Carstensen in the late 1990s, emphasizes the role of emotion regulation in shaping individuals’ social goals and behaviors as they age. According to SST, people’s time perspective plays a central role in directing their attention and resources towards emotionally meaningful goals. As individuals grow older, they become increasingly aware of the finite nature of their lives, leading them to prioritize emotion-related goals over knowledge-related goals. The theory posits that the perceived limited time left leads older adults to invest more effort in close relationships and emotional experiences, ultimately promoting their well-being.
The article by Carstensen et al. (2011) explores the relevance of the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory to understanding aging and well-being. The authors provide a comprehensive review of the theory, highlighting its core principles and empirical evidence supporting its assumptions. By examining studies conducted within a 25-year span, the article offers a robust analysis of the theory’s applicability across different cultures and age groups.
One important aspect addressed in the article is the distinction made by SST between age-related goals and time horizons. Age-related goals refer to individuals’ belief in future-oriented goals, while time horizons represent their perception of the available time to achieve those goals. Carstensen et al. (2011) explain how these two factors interact to shape individuals’ strategies for goal pursuit and emotional regulation. As individuals age, their time horizons become compressed, leading them to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and invest more in cultivating and maintaining close relationships.
The article also highlights the role of emotional experiences in the context of SST. It suggests that older adults’ emphasis on positive emotions and the avoidance of negative emotions may serve as a mechanism for promoting well-being. Carstensen et al. (2011) argue that by selectively attending to and remembering positive emotional experiences, older adults may enhance their overall sense of life satisfaction and maintain their psychological well-being in the face of age-related challenges.
In addition to explaining the theoretical foundations of SST, the article presents empirical evidence supporting its key propositions. Carstensen et al. (2011) discuss various studies conducted within the past five years that have investigated the relationship between socioemotional selectivity and well-being. These studies encompass different methodologies, including surveys, experiments, and longitudinal designs, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the theory’s validity.
The findings presented in the article consistently support the predictions of SST. For instance, research suggests that older adults prioritize positive emotional experiences and selectively remember emotional information in a way that promotes their well-being. Carstensen et al. (2011) also highlight studies demonstrating that older adults experience greater well-being when engaging in activities that are emotionally meaningful to them, such as spending time with close family members or engaging in hobbies that bring joy.
Overall, the article by Carstensen et al. (2011) provides a comprehensive examination of the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and its relevance to understanding aging and well-being. By incorporating empirical evidence from various studies conducted within the past five years, the article strengthens our understanding of the theory’s applicability across different contexts and populations. The findings suggest that the socioemotional goals and strategies emphasized by SST can contribute to promoting older adults’ well-being in later life.