Lifespan Development Psychology (Psyc 2100) - Lecture Block 18

Emotional and Social Development in Late Adulthood

Mental Illness in Late Adulthood

• Mental illness after age 65 is less prevalent.
  • Potential reasons:
    • Selective mortality: Mentally disordered individuals may die earlier.
    • Better mental health adaptation to stressors.

Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory

• Ego Integrity vs. Despair is the 8th crisis:
  • Old age (65+ years).
  • Ego Integrity: Acceptance of self, fulfillment, serenity, and contentment.
    • Acknowledgment of life’s good and bad as meaningful contributions.
    • Death viewed as a continuum of life.
  • Despair: Regret, bitterness, and a sense of hopelessness.
    • Negative outlook on life and missed opportunities.

Robert Peck’s Expansion on Ego Integrity vs. Despair

• Three Objectives:
  1. Ego Differentiation vs. Work-Role Preoccupation
     • Finding self-worth beyond career roles.
  2. Body Transcendence vs. Body Preoccupation
     • Overcoming physical limitations with psychological strengths.
  3. Ego Transcendence vs. Ego Preoccupation
     • Embracing life’s continuation after death, with an advanced spirituality.

Joan Erikson’s Addition

• Gerotranscendence:
  • A 9th stage projecting beyond self to serene peace through reflection.

Emotional Expertise in the Elderly

• Gisella Labouvie-Vief’s Theory:
  • Emotional self-regulation and affect optimization improve.
  • Stronger internal emotion control and decision-making.

Reminiscence in Old Age

• Reflection can aid in mourning and life continuation.
• Balance in assistance to foster psychological health.

Mental Disorders in the Elderly

• Depression & Anxiety:
  • 10-20% suffer enough to need treatment but often don’t receive it.
  • Careful with antidepressants due to side effects like postural hypotension.
  • Higher suicide rates in elderly, especially white males (80-84 years).
  • Cognitive behavioral treatment recommended over long-term benzodiazepines.

Social Theories of Aging

• Disengagement Theory: Elders retreat from society, leading to less societal impact after death.
• Activity Theory: Satisfaction through quality social interactions.
• Continuity Theory: Maintaining a consistent life pattern for contentment.
• Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: Focus on strengthening important relationships.

Living Situations for the Elderly

• Most live with relatives rather than nursing homes.
• Nursing Homes: Often understaffed with poor care.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Gaining popularity but expensive.
• Importance of retaining personal control over life decisions.

Elder Maltreatment

• Forms: Physical, psychological, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and neglect.
• Risk Factors: Dependency, caretaker stress, substance abuse, history of violence, poor nursing home conditions.

Successful Aging

• Requires societal support in health care, social security, housing, social services, and education.
• Criticism of inadequate elder care in the U.S.