Social and emotional patterns in adulthood: Support for socioemotional selectivity theory.

Abstract

This investigation explored 2 hypotheses derived from socioemotional selectivity theory: (a) Selective reductions in social interaction begin in early adulthood and (b) emotional closeness to significant others increases rather than decreases in adulthood even when rate reductions occur. Transcribed interviews with 28 women and 22 men from the Child Guidance Study, conducted over 34 years, were reviewed and rated for frequency of interaction, satisfaction with the relationship, and degree of emotional closeness in 6 types of relationships. Interaction frequency with acquaintances and close friends declined from early adulthood on. Interaction frequency with spouses and siblings increased across the same time period and emotional closeness increased throughout adulthood in relationships with relatives and close friends. Findings suggest that individuals begin narrowing their range of social partners long before old age.

Focused grooming networks and stress alleviation in wild female baboons

“…In both sexes, the number of 'core' individuals on whom people rely for support during times of crisis (3-5 individuals) tends to be significantly smaller than their circle of mutual friends (12-20) or regular acquaintances (30-50) (Dunbar & Spoor 1995;Hill & Dunbar 2003;Zhou et al 2005). In the elderly, strong social networks enhance survival (Giles et al 2005), and when humans perceive future social opportunities to be limited or at risk -either as they age or when they become ill -they contract their social networks and become more selective in their social relationships (Carstensen 1992(Carstensen , 1995.…”

Emergence of entrepreneurial behaviour: The role of age-based self-image

“…In contrast, individuals who believe time is running out and imagine themselves as having more limitations on their future options (negative age-based self-image) tend to prioritise emotion-regulation goals (Carstensen, 1992;Carstensen, Isaacowitz, & Charles, 1999). Emotional regulation includes behaviours aimed at establishing intimacy with others and developing a sense of belonging in the social environment (Ng & Feldman, 2010).…”

“…According to socio-emotional selectivity theory, individuals who imagine themselves as having plenty of opportunities in the years ahead and plenty of time to pursue them (positive age-based self-image) tend to prioritise knowledge-acquisition goals (Carstensen, 1992).…”

Regret as autobiographical memory

“…A second account draws on theories of identity formation (Erikson, 1950) and theories of social contact (Carstensen, 1992(Carstensen, , 1995 which recognise this period as one of self-development and information seeking. Early adulthood is assumed to be more memorable because there is so much going on in young adult lives, so events from these years become embedded in both internal and external networks and knowledge schemas.…”