1. Psyc 222 Developmental Psychology II Dean Owen, Ph.D., LPCC Spring 2011 Unit 8: LATE ADULTHOOD Emotional Development

2. Erikson Final Stage Ego Integrity vs Despair Coming to terms with one’s life. An overall evaluation of life as having been complete, worthwhile and of value.

3. Erikson Final Stage James and Zarett (2007) found that ego integrity was associated with: 1.Enhanced optimism 2.Greater self-acceptance 3.Marital satisfaction 4.Close relationships with adult children 5.Greater community involvement 6.Willingness to accept help from others.

4. Erikson Final Stage The failure to achieve ego integrity generally creates a sense of despair, a sense of having made many wrong decisions that negatively affected life.

5. Erikson Final Stage Such individuals: 1.Fear death and feel overwhelmed by aging 2.Feel a sense of bitterness, defeat and hopelessness 3.Become angry and intolerant of others 4.Frequently seek to blame others for past personal failures.

6. Other Theories of Psychosocial Development Robert Peck envisioned ego integrity marked by the successful attainment of 3 tasks Ego differentiation: Finding alternative ways of expressing self- worth other than through career ) family, friendship and community life. (Such individual’s have planned for retirement and prepared themselves for life after work…hobbies, interests, etc. Body transcendence: Overcoming physical failings by developing and using cognitive, emotional and social powers and skills. Focusing on psychological strengths. Ego transcendence: A state of acceptance of death and a commitment to improving the state and conditions for a younger generation.

7. Other Theories of Psychosocial Development Joan Erikson (Erik’s widow) Gerotranscendence Gerotranscendence A state suggested by Joan Erikson to refer to the state of calm and acceptance that comes to the elderly in their final years. A peaceful and contemplative state of quiet thoughtfulness. Many of the very old continue to invest in “life” by visiting with friends, attending to news and community events.

8. Other Theories of Psychosocial Development Geisella Labouvie-Vief Affect optimization This term is used to refer to the compensating emotional strength of the elderly who gain in their ability to maximize positive emotion and to dampen negative emotion. It is remarkable that at a time in life characterized by death of age mates, failing health, and their own impending death, most adults seem to be optimistic and demonstrate psychological well being.

9. Reminiscence The process of recalling and telling stories of remote events in one’s life.

10. Reminiscence Often a process associated with the elderly who are accused of living in the past in an attempt to avoid the harsh reality of impending death. Life review: Recalling past experiences with the object of attaining greater self-understanding. A positive step toward ego integrity. NegativeRuminationsSelf-focused Reliving past negative events PositiveSpontaneous Other focused Retelling events for the purpose of teaching or instructing

11. Third Age Because of increased longevity….. Improved health care…. Financial stability and security…. Some believe that a new “age” category is now called for….. First Age: Childhood… Second Age: Adult period of career and family rearing Third Age (65-79+): Period of personal fulfillment Fourth Age: Physical Decline and need for assistive care.

12. Stability and change in Self-Concept and Personality Studies suggest that many older adults have a more complex, multifaceted, and stable self- concept than younger people. Because of a lifetime of experiences they have come to know and to accept themselves. Many older adults see themselves as more complex individuals than they did in earlier years.

13. Stability and change in Self-Concept and Personality Contrary to common belief that old people become rigid and inflexible, old age frequently brings with it cognitive and emotional flexibility, and optimism which fosters resilience.

14. Stability and change in Self-Concept and Personality Old age commonly brings: Willingness to agree Increased generosity Reduction in extraversion and openness to new experience Increased acceptance of change (including loss of spouse which is regarded as among the most significant stressors in life).

15. Stability and change in Self-Concept and Personality The majority of older adults demonstrate remarkable resilience and optimism which strengthens the physiological response to stress. Those older individuals who are emotionally negative, short tempered and dissatisfied tend to cope poorly with stressful events and are significantly more likely to suffer health problems and earlier death.

16. Spirituality and Religiosity How can older individual accept deteriorating health, loss of friends and loved ones and even their own impending death with calmness and composure? Spirituality and Religion are NOT the same thing….. Spirituality is an inspirational sense of the meaning of life and can be found in nature, art, music, and social relationships. For many, religion with it’s fixed beliefs, rituals, and symbols provides a kind of structure in which spirituality can evolve. Existential questions: Where did I come from? Who am I? Where will I go?

17. Spirituality and Religiosity Many develop a mature sense of spirituality.

18. Spirituality and Religiosity Older adults attach great significance to religion and to religious ritual. Older adults become more religious and spiritual as they age. Many will develop a more complex and mature spirituality as their beliefs change. Females tend to be more religious Lower SES elders are especially involved with religious activities…houses of worship (churches, mosques and temples become not only centers for worship but community centers for health, social welfare, and even political activities.

19. Spirituality and Religiosity

20. Control vs Dependency Advancing age Reduced capability Need for assistance Feelings of dependency Loss of control Depression Physical health declines

21. Questions or comments ??