Socio-emotional selectivity in elderly and old age as a factor of subjective well-being

• Main Author: Melehin A.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Moscow State University of Psychology and Education 2016-02-01
• Series: Клиническая и специальная психология
• Subjects: social interaction; subjective well-being; socio-emotional selection; socio-emotional selectivity theory; awareness of time; time perspective; old age
• Online Access: http://psyjournals.ru/psyclin/2015/n3/Melehin.shtml

The article shows that the presence of social support, сonfidant network is associated with positive subjective well-being in elderly (55 - 74 years) and old age (75-90 years). However, certain types of social interaction can be considered as predictors of affective disorders and chronic somatic disorders in later ages as in normal aging and in neurodegenerative disorders. The purpose of this article is to familiarize professionals in the mental health of people of later ages with the theory of socio-emotional selectivity (Socioemotional Selectivity Theory) L.L. Carstensen, who makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the specificity and mechanisms of selection in social interaction in elderly and old age. Central mechanisms of socio-emotional selection in the later ages are the awareness of time and limited future time perspective, which enhances the awareness of mortality.