Theories of Human Development in Adulthood and Old Age

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the lecture notes on theories of human development in adulthood and old age, including Erikson, Levinson, Vaillant, Baltes, Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory, and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory.

Lifespan Development Theories

Frameworks for understanding how individuals grow, change, and adapt throughout adulthood and old age, encompassing psychological, social, and cognitive dimensions.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erikson's stage in young adulthood (20-34 years) focusing on forming close relationships, where success leads to strong connections, and failure may result in isolation.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erikson's stage in middle adulthood (35-65 years) centered on contributing to society and supporting future generations; achieving this fosters a sense of purpose, while failing may lead to stagnation.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson's stage in late adulthood (65+ years) involving reflecting on one's life; satisfaction leads to feelings of integrity, whereas regret may cause despair.

Levinson's Seasons of Life Theory

Theory outlining stages of adult development, each characterized by specific life tasks and challenges, including early adulthood, mid-life transition, and late adulthood.

Vaillant's Adaptation to Life Model

Model expanding on Erikson's stages, identifying six adult life tasks: developing an identity, intimacy, career consolidation, generativity, becoming a keeper of meaning, and achieving integrity.

Baltes' Selective Optimization with Compensation

Model to explain successful aging involving prioritizing goals as resources decline (Selection), enhancing performance in chosen areas (Optimization), and adapting strategies to counteract losses (Compensation).

Disengagement Theory

Suggests that withdrawing from social roles is a natural part of aging, allowing for reflection; however, this theory has been criticized for promoting passivity.

Activity Theory

Proposes that maintaining social activities and roles leads to greater satisfaction in old age, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST)

Posits that as people age and perceive time as limited, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and goals, leading to improved emotional well-being.

Key Transitions in Adulthood in Early Adulthood Transition (17-22 years)

Transition from adolescence to adulthood; Leaving home, family, and making first major life choices (education, career).

Entering the Adult World (22-28 years)

Committing to career, intimate relationships, and personal goals; Establishing independence and identity.

Age 30 Transition (28-33 years)

Reevaluating earlier life choices; Possible career or relationship changes; Adjusting expectations for work and love life.

Settling Down (33-40 years)

Investing in career, relationships, and family; Achieving stability and becoming involved in the community.

Midlife Transition (40-45 years)

Major reassessment of life and goals; Questioning past choices and making changes if necessary; Realization of limited time, leading to a sense of urgency.

Entering Middle Adulthood (45-50 years)

Committing to new goals and decisions made during midlife transition; Focusing energy on personal fulfillment and meaningful contributions.

Baltes' Key Principles of Adult Development

Development is lifelong, multidimensional, multidirectional, a combination of gains and losses, demonstrates plasticity, is embedded in history, occurs in context, and is multi-disciplinary

Normative age-graded influences

Influences that are highly correlated with chronological age.

Normative history-graded influences

Influences that are associated with a particular historical time period.

Non-normative influences

Influences that are unique to an individual and not shared by many others.