Mod 17(part2)

Cognitive Development in Adulthood

• Hearing Loss

  • Associated social isolation may increase the risk of depression and accelerate mental decline.

  • Individuals with hearing loss experience declines in memory, attention, and learning approximately three years earlier than those with good hearing; this deterioration is lessened with hearing aids.

• Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs)

  • Can occur due to small strokes, brain tumors, or alcohol use disorder, contributing to cognitive deficits.

  • Commonly referred to as dementia in older adults.

  • Risk factors include:

    • Heavy smoking in midlife.

    • Related to Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, or substance abuse.

• Alzheimer's Disease

  • Progression involves:

    • Initial loss of memory followed by deterioration in reasoning.

    • Symptoms include emotional flatness, disorientation, loss of impulse control, and later, incontinence.

  • Neurological Mechanisms:

    • Includes loss of brain cells and degradation of neurons producing acetylcholine (a key neurotransmitter).

    • Accumulation of amyloid plaques disrupts neural communication.

    • MRI scans show greater brain activity in individuals at risk.

• Predictive Measures for Alzheimer's

  • Development of brain scans and genetic tests may identify individuals likely to develop Alzheimer's.

  • There are ethical considerations around testing and timing for such assessments.

Social Development in Adulthood

• Life Transitions

  • Midlife transitions typically occur in the early forties, influenced by cultural timelines for marriage, parenthood, and retirement.

  • The social clock varies across eras and cultures.

• Erikson's Stages of Development

  • Emphasizes intimacy (close relationships) and generativity (supporting future generations).

  • Successful functioning involves forming loving relationships and productive engagement.

• Adult Commitments

  • Love:

    • Pair bonding is fundamental, focused on emotional support, and mutual interest.

    • Marriage correlates with happiness, sexual satisfaction, income, and mental health.

    • Data suggests cohabitation before marriage can lead to higher divorce rates than non-cohabitating couples.

  • Work:

    • Work provides identity and a sense of accomplishment.

    • Adults often define themselves by their profession or role in society, influencing their happiness and satisfaction.

  • Happiness:

    • Influenced by work context, relationships, supportive friends or family, and personal values.

    • Social interactions are crucial for happiness in both younger and older adults.

Well-Being Across the Lifespan

• Positive and Negative Emotions

  • Positive feelings tend to increase after midlife, while negative feelings diminish.

  • Older adults report lower levels of anger, stress, and worry.

  • Trust and generosity may increase with age.

• Biopsychosocial Influences on Successful Aging

  • Factors include:

    • Absence of genetic predispositions for decline.

    • Proper nutrition and active lifestyle—both mentally and physically.

    • A supportive social network and respect for aging in one's culture.

    • Safe living conditions enhance the aging experience.

Death and Dying

• Grief

  • Grief is more profound following unexpected deaths.

  • Separation from a partner often poses the greatest emotional challenge.

  • Engaging in social activities helps build resilience against grief.

• Cultural Variance in Grieving

  • Grief reactions can differ culturally and individually; not all react predictably.

  • Surviving grief involves more than simply expressing emotion; support and time are significant in the healing process.

• Erikson’s Late Adulthood Task

  • The psychosocial challenge involves developing integrity versus despair regarding one’s life and approaching death.

• Misconceptions about Grief

  • Terminally ill individuals may not experience the despair expected; they often demonstrate resilience and positivity.

  • The healing power of time and social support is effective in navigating through grief.

Course Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore deeper into developmental psychology topics in higher-level courses focusing on:

  • Child development.

  • Adolescent development.

  • Adult development and aging.

  • Death and dying courses.