Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

Author(s):  
Susan Charles ◽  
Laura L. Carstensen
GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiao Chu ◽  
Daniel Grühn ◽  
Ashley M. Holland

Abstract. We investigated the effects of time horizon and age on the socioemotional motives underlying individual’s bucket-list goals. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three time-horizon conditions to make a bucket list: (1) an open-ended time horizon (Study 1 & 2), (2) a 6-month horizon (i.e., “Imagine you have 6 months to live”; Study 1 & 2), and (3) a 1-week horizon (Study 2). Goal motives were coded based on socioemotional selectivity theory and psychosocial development theory. Results indicated that time horizon and age produced unique effects on bucket-list goal motives. Extending past findings on people’s motives considering the end of life, the findings suggest that different time horizons and life stages trigger different motives.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482199686
Author(s):  
Shoshana H. Bardach ◽  
Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽  
Kelly Parsons ◽  
Allison K. Gibson

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.


Author(s):  
Nancy A. Pachana

Psychological theories of ageing encompass mental health and emotional well-being as well as changes in these states, at individual as well as interpersonal levels, associated with increasing age. ‘The psychology of ageing’ reviews different ways of studying changes in functioning: cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential study designs; the varying psychological theories of ageing, including the disengagement theory, activity theory, continuity theory, socioemotional selectivity theory, convoy theory, and social identity theory; and the cognitive aspects of ageing, including changes in thinking and behaviour as a result of both primary and secondary ageing. It also considers how personality and emotions are expressed in later life and the treatment of mental disorders.


1997 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Tahmaseb McConatha ◽  
Frances Marshall Leone ◽  
Jill M. Armstrong

Although it is widely believed that emotions vary with age, there is a dearth of information on emotional experiences in later adulthood. Several researchers think that older adults experience less emotional intensity than younger people while others have suggested that aging is accompanied by a decrease in positive affect and an increase in negative emotions. Sex similarities and differences in emotionality have also been documented. This study focuses on age and sex similarities and differences in emotional control. Three hundred and twenty seven men and women aged 19 to 92 years were administered two emotion measures. The results support previous research which suggests that the control of emotions increases with age. In evaluating sex differences in emotional control, women scored as more emotionally expressive than men, a finding which is consistent with previous research. Results are discussed in relation to socioemotional selectivity theory.


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-372

Perry, J. T., Ring, J. K., & Broberg, J. C. (2015). Which type of advisors do family businesses trust most? An exploratory application of socioemotional selectivity theory. Family Business Review, 28(3), 211-226. Original DOI: 10.1177/0894486514538652 .


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caoimhe McManus ◽  
David McGovern

Older adults tend to focus on positive information over negative information; a phenomenon commonly referred to as the ‘positivity effect’. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory posits that this effect stems from age-related shifts in goals and relies heavily on the active suppression of negative information. The current study tested the hypothesis that inhibitory control is a key determinant of positivity biases in older adults using anti-saccade and recognition memory tasks. Results indicated a significant correlation between levels of inhibitory control and the positivity effect. These findings highlight the key role played by inhibitory control in determining positivity biases amongst older adults.


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