Psychosocial Theories of Aging
Jung's Theory
- Development continues throughout life by a process of searching, questioning, & goal-setting
- Ergo, lifelong search for 'true self'
- Question the sagacity of choices made...
Disengagement Theory
- Systematic exclusion from society; separated from society
- Perceived to be of little or no benefit to society
- Older adults want to withdraw from society (mutually beneficial disengagement)
Activity Theory
Havighurst's Theory
- Activity is necessary for successful aging
- Participation in physical and mental activities helps maintain functioning
- Purposeful activities and interactions promote good self-esteem & improve overall satisfaction with life
- Details the process of aging & defines specific tasks for late life...
- Adjusting to...
- decreased physical strength & health
- retirement & decreased income
- loss of spouse
- Establishing...
- Relationship with one's age group
- Satisfactory living arrangements
- Adapting...
- To social roles in a flexible way
Erikson's Theory
Newman's Theory
- Tasks of aging:
- Coping with physical changes
- redirecting energy to new activities & roles
- Accepting one's own life
- Developing a point of view about death
- Identifies eight stages of developmental tasks across the lifespan
- Older adult - Integrity vs. Despair
- When earlier developmental tasks are not completed throughout life, problems can surface in later life directly related to these deficits