Socioemotional Development in Late Adulthood

Late Adulthood

Socioemotional Development

Instructor: Lucía G. Medina, MA

HDFS 2400

Course Announcements

  • Reading Reflection: Due December 04

  • Final Project: Interview analysis due December 09 at 11:59 PM

  • Material Revision & Q&A: December 09

  • Final Exam Overview: December 11 - No class

  • Final Exam Date: December 16 from 10 AM to 12 PM

Today’s Plan

  1. Late adulthood (age 65 and older)

  2. Theories of socioemotional development

    • Erikson's theory

    • Activity theory

    • Socioemotional selectivity theory

    • Selective optimization with compensation theory

  3. Personality traits and aging

  4. Marriage and well-being

  5. Attachment

  6. Successful aging

  7. ICA #10.2

  8. Time for Interview Analysis

Theories of Socioemotional Development

  1. Erikson's Theory

    • Focuses on the psychosocial conflict of Integrity vs. Despair during late adulthood.

    • Involves reflecting on one’s past and evaluating if life has been meaningful or disappointing.

    • Life Review: A process of evaluating and interpreting past experiences to make sense of one’s life story.

    • Reminiscence Therapy: Engaging in discussions about past activities and memories with individuals or groups to promote well-being.

  2. Activity Theory

    • Posits that staying active and involved in life is predictive of higher life satisfaction in older adulthood.

    • Continuation of meaningful roles from middle adulthood supports well-being.

    • If traditional roles are lost, substituting these roles can help maintain engagement and satisfaction.

    • Behavioral Activation:

      • Vicious Cycle of Depression:

      • Get less out of life → Feel low → Stop doing things that matter.

      • Positive Cycle of Activity:

      • Feel better → Do more → Get more out of life that matters.

  3. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

    • Motivation shifts as time horizons change; limited time leads to a priority on emotional meaning and satisfaction.

    • Older adults become selective in their social networks, focusing their efforts on rewarding, long-standing relationships.

    • Two key goal types in this theory:

      • Knowledge-related

      • Emotional

  4. Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory

    • Selection: Older adults focus on fewer, the most important domains due to reduced capacity.

    • Optimization: Maintaining performance through practice, strategies, and employing new technologies.

    • Compensation: Necessary when tasks exceed current abilities; alternative methods are sought to help maintain functioning.

Personality Traits & Healthy Aging

  • Conscientiousness: Linked to better aging outcomes, including:

    • Less cognitive decline

    • Strong predictor of longevity

    • Encourages self-regulation, healthier habits, and responsible decision-making.

  • Neuroticism & Longevity:

    • High neuroticism is associated with more negative emotions and stress.

    • Chronic emotional distress accelerates wear and tear on the body.

    • Conversely, low neuroticism correlates with a longer life.

Marriage & Well-Being

  • Research indicates that older adults who are married or in partnerships tend to report higher happiness levels.

  • Benefits of marriage for older adults:

    • Provides emotional support

    • Shares resources

    • Promotes social connection and stability

Attachment

  • Attachment styles such as anxiety and avoidance typically decrease with age.

  • Being in a relationship contributes to lower levels of anxious and avoidant attachment throughout adulthood.

  • Attachment Security: Supports daily competence and better psychological adjustment in late adulthood.

Unsecure Attachment and Self-Compassion

  • A study highlighted the relationship between secure attachment, eudaimonic well-being, and the mediating role of self-compassion.

  • Components of self-compassion include:

    1. Self-Kindness

    2. Mindfulness

    3. Common Humanity

  • These elements contribute to improved outcomes in late adulthood.

Successful Aging

Factors influencing successful aging include:

  • Genetic predispositions

  • Absence of disease

  • Following a proper diet

  • Maintaining an active lifestyle

  • Engaging in mental stimulation and flexibility

  • Applying positive coping skills

  • Developing good social relationships and support

  • Exhibiting self-efficacy and conscientiousness

Conclusion

Research indicates that a physically active and mentally stimulating lifestyle, coupled with strong social engagement and a sense of purpose, significantly contributes to successful aging. Environments that foster these elements enable individuals to age positively.

ICA #10.2 - Wellness Program

  • Details and applications of a wellness program typically discussed in further sessions.