Module 9: Psychosocial Development in Midlife

Question 1

generativity

Answer 1

the ability to look beyond self-interest and motivate oneself to care for, and contribute to, the welfare of the next generation

Question 2

socioemotional selectivity theory

Answer 2

theory associated with the developmentalist Laura Carestensen which posits a shift at this time in the life course, caused by a shift in time horizons. Time left in our lives is now shorter than time previously spent. Consciously, or sub-consciously, this influences a greater unwillingness to “suffer fools gladly” or endure unsatisfactory situations at work or elsewhere. Emotional regulation, and the satisfactions that affords, becomes more important, and demands fulfillment in the present

Question 3

selection, optimization, compensation (SOC) theory

Answer 3

theory which argues that the declines experienced at this time are not simple or absolute losses. Or, rather, they need not be. Baltes argues that life is a series of adaptations and that the selection of fewer goals, optimizing our personal and social resources to attain them, and then compensating for any loss with the experience of a lifetime, should ameliorate those losses. They do not completely negate them but a positive attitude of engagement can, and does, lead to successful ageing

Question 4

stage-crisis view

Answer 4

theory associated with Levinson (and Erikson before) that each life stage is characterized by a fundamental conflict(s) which must be resolved before moving on to the next. Each stage has its challenges which are resolved, instigating a period of transition which sets the stage for the next

Question 5

stagnation

Answer 5

a feeling of a disconnect from wider society experience by those 40-65 who fail to develop the attitude of care associated with generativity