Theories Flashcards
Activities theory
sociological theory that suggests that remaining involved and engaged is a needed ingredient to a satisfying life
Disengagement theory
sociological theory that suggests that aging is characterize by gradual disengagement from society and relationships; suggests that this separation is desired by society and older adults, and it serves to maintain social equilibrium
Continuity theory
sociological theory that suggests that personality is well developed by the time one reaches old age and tends to remain consistent across the life span; acknowledges that individual differences produce varied responses to aging
Gerotranscendence theory
sociological theory which proposes that aging individuals undergo a cognitive transformation from a materialistic, rational perspective toward oneness with the universe; proposes that characteristic of successful transformation include a more outward or external focus, accepting impending death without fear, an emphasis on substantive relationships, a sense of connectedness with preceding and future generations, and spiritual unity with the universe
Maslow’s theory
also known as the Human Needs Theory; psychological theory which suggests that a hierarchy of five needs motivates human behavior: psychological, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization; these needs are prioritized so that more basic needs like psychological functioning or safety take precedence over personal growth needs
Jung’s theory
also known as the Theory of Individualism; Psychological theory; proposes a lifespan view of personality development rather than attainment of basic needs; Jung defines personality as being composed of an ego or self identity with a personal and collective unconscious
Erikson’s theory
also known as the Stages or Personality Development Theory; psychological theory; suggests that personality develops in eight sequential stages that have a corresponding life task that one may succeed at or fail to accomplish; suggests that older adults experience the developmental stage known as “ego integrity versus despair,” and this final phase is characterized by evaluations one’s life and accomplishments for meaning in later years
Free radical theory
stochastic theory; suggests that aging is due to oxidative metabolism and the effects of free radicals (end products of oxidative metabolism)
Wear and tear theory
stochastic theory; suggests that, over time, cumulative changes occurring in cells age and damage cellular metabolism
Connective tissue theory
stochastic theory; also known as cross-link theory; proposes that, over time, biochemical processes create connections between structures not normally connected; several cross-linkages occur rapidly between 30 and 50 years of age
Programmed theory
non stochastic theory; proposes that, as people age, more of their cells start to decide to commit suicide or stop dividing; Hayflick phenomenon – cells divide until they can no longer divide, which suggests that cells have a finite doubling potential and become unable to replicate after that have done so a number of times
Biological clock theory
non stochastic theory; explains that each cell, or perhaps the entire organism, has a genetically programmed aging code that is stored in the organism’s DNA
Neuroendocrine theory
non stochastic theory; described a change in hormone secretion (such as with the releasing of hormones of the hypothalamus and the stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland, which manage the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands) and how it influences the aging process
Immunologic theory
non stochastic theory; describes the normal aging process of humans and animals as being related to faulty immunological function; there is decreased immune function in the elderly
