Lifespan Developmental Theory Research Articles

Keep Up the Good Work! Age-Moderated Mediation Model on Intention to Retire.

In European nations, the aging of the workforce is a major issue which is increasingly addressed both in national and organizational policies in order to sustain older workers' employability and to encourage longer working lives. Particularly older workers' employability can be viewed an important issue as this has the potential to motivate them for their work and change their intention to retire. Based on lifespan development theories and Van der Heijden's ‘employability enhancement model’, this paper develops and tests an age-moderated mediation model (which refers to the processes that we want to test in this model), linking older workers' (55 years old and over) perceptions of job support for learning (job-related factor) and perceptions of negative age stereotypes on productivity (organizational factor), on the one hand, and their intention to retire, on the other hand, via their participation in employability enhancing activities, being the mediator in our model. A total of 2,082 workers aged 55 years and above were included in the analyses. Results revealed that the two proposed relationships between the predictors and intention to retire were mediated by participation in employability enhancing activities, reflecting two mechanisms through which work context affects intention to retire (namely ‘a gain spiral and a loss spiral’). Multi-Group SEM analyses, distinguishing between two age groups (55–60 and 61–65 years old), revealed different paths for the two distinguished groups of older workers. Employability mediated the relationship between perceptions of job support for learning and intention to retire in both age groups, whereas it only mediated the relationship between perceptions of negative age stereotypes and intention to retire in the 55–60 group. From our empirical study, we may conclude that employability is an important factor in the light of older workers' intention to retire. In order to motivate this category of workers to participate in employability enhancing activities and to work longer, negative age stereotypes need to be combated. In addition, creating job support for learning over the lifespan is also an important HR practice to be implemented in nowadays' working life.

Job Crafting: Older Workers' Mechanism for Maintaining Person-Job Fit.

Aging at work is a dynamic process. As individuals age, their motives, abilities and values change as suggested by life-span development theories (Lang and Carstensen, 2002; Kanfer and Ackerman, 2004). Their growth and extrinsic motives weaken while intrinsic motives increase (Kooij et al., 2011), which may result in workers investing their resources in different areas accordingly. However, there is significant individual variability in aging trajectories (Hedge et al., 2006). In addition, the changing nature of work, the evolving job demands, as well as the available opportunities at work may no longer be suitable for older workers, increasing the likelihood of person-job misfit. The potential misfit may, in turn, impact how older workers perceive themselves on the job, which leads to conflicting work identities. With the traditional job redesign approach being a top-down process, it is often difficult for organizations to take individual needs and skills into consideration and tailor jobs for every employee (Berg et al., 2010). Therefore, job crafting, being an individualized process initiated by employees themselves, can be a particularly valuable mechanism for older workers to realign and enhance their demands-abilities and needs-supplies fit. Through job crafting, employees can exert personal agency and make changes to the task, social and cognitive aspects of their jobs with the goal of improving their work experience (Wrzesniewski and Dutton, 2001). Building on the Life Span Theory of Control (Heckhausen and Schulz, 1995), we posit that job crafting, particularly cognitive crafting, will be of increasing value as employees age. Through reframing how they think of their job and choosing to emphasize job features that are personally meaningful, older workers can optimize their resources to proactively redesign their jobs and maintain congruent, positive work identities.

「発達」と「発達段階」を問う : 生涯発達とナラティヴ論の視点から

「発達」と「発達段階」を問う : 生涯発達とナラティヴ論の視点から

The roles of chronological age and time perspective in memory positivity

ABSTRACTThe observation that older adults show enhanced cognition for emotionally positive information has been labeled the positivity effect (Reed, Chan, & Mikels, 2014). According to the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST, Carstensen, 1991), a prominent lifespan development theory, cognition is strongly influenced by motivational goals, and these goals are impacted by subjective time perspective. Although the positivity effect is most commonly observed in older adults, as age usually co-varies with time perspective, the SST posits that time perspective, not age, is the key explanatory factor of positivity. We examined the effects of these predictors on positivity in an episodic memory task in younger and older adults and found that age, not time perspective, was a key predictor of memory positivity. Our results add to the growing literature that challenge the notion that time perspective is the driving force behind age-related differences in emotional processing and functioning.

Individual differences in personality change across the adult life span.

A precise and comprehensive description of personality continuity and change across the life span is the bedrock upon which theories of personality development are built. Little research has quantified the degree to which individuals deviate from mean-level developmental trends. In this study, we addressed this gap by examining individual differences in personality trait change across the life span. Data came from a nationally representative sample of 9,636 Dutch participants who provided Big Five self-reports at five assessment waves across 7 years. We divided our sample into 14 age groups (ages 16-84 at initial measurement) and estimated latent growth curve models to describe individual differences in personality change across the study period for each trait and age group. Across the adult life span, individual differences in personality change were small but significant until old age. For Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness, individual differences in change were most pronounced in emerging adulthood and decreased throughout midlife and old age. For Emotional Stability, individual differences in change were relatively consistent across the life span. These results inform theories of life span development and provide future directions for research on the causes and conditions of personality change.

Age-Differential Effects of Job Characteristics on Job Attraction: A Policy-Capturing Study.

Based on an integration of job design and lifespan developmental theories, Truxillo et al. (2012) proposed that job characteristics interact with employee age in predicting important work outcomes. Using an experimental policy-capturing design, we investigated age-differential effects of four core job characteristics (i.e., job autonomy, task variety, task significance, and feedback from the job) on job attraction (i.e., individuals' rating of job attractiveness). Eighty-two employees between 19 and 65 years (Mage = 41, SD = 14) indicated their job attraction for each of 40 hypothetical job descriptions in which the four job characteristics were systematically manipulated (in total, participants provided 3,280 ratings). Results of multilevel analyses showed that the positive effects of task variety, task significance, and feedback from the job were stronger for younger compared to older employees, whereas we did not find significant age-differential effects of job autonomy on job attraction. These findings are only partially consistent with propositions of Truxillo et al.'s (2012) lifespan perspective on job design.

Wybrane psychologiczne metody jakościowe stosowane w badaniach nad tekstem pisanym

Selected psychological qualitative methods used for research into written textThis article presents selected methods of written text analysis and interpretation using interpretative approach. This approach aims at discovering senses, i.e. personal attitudes experiences. The work starts with classic theory of life-span development by Ch. Buhler and moves on to present contemporary research, published since 2005, including psychological interpretation of B. Cohler’s diaries from the ghetto, as well as studies in the area of narrative identity. The article includes an example of extensive analysis and interpretation of a diary, inspired by D. McAdams’ method of Life Stories. Presented theoretical and practical proposals constitute a pragmatic contribution to interdisciplinary discussion on methods of using private documents as research material.

REJUVENATION OF A BODY: DISCOVERY LEADING TO THE DRASTIC CHANGES OF GERONTOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES (REVIEW OF PERSONAL RESEARCHES)

The author has discovered thrombin-plasmin system (TPS) and two processes performed by its subsystems being fundamentally opposed, internally contradictory physiological processes – biological coagulation (cyto-histo-hemocoagulation) functioning as coagulation-hypotrophic mechanism (with a reduction of all the mechanisms of trophism), therefore, its fi nal result (both in normal state and in the event of pathology) is a degenerative and dystrophic damage to cells and organs with a reduction in the number of their structures, and bioregeneration (cyto-histo-hemoregeneration) functioning as a regenerative-normotrophic mechanism, which, therefore, results in elimination of these damages, recovery of all trophic mechanisms, enhancement of cellular and intracellular regeneration with increase in the number of structures (the discovery has been registered). With the help of these two processes, TPS performs many vital functions of regulatory nature in the human body. However, the most important thing is that owing to these two processes, TPS implements a genetic program of all three stages of lifespan development of human body. This provided the author with an opportunity to substantiate two fundamentally new gerontological theories – coagulation-regenerative theory of lifespan development and coagulation- hypotrophic theory of physiological ageing of the human body. At the same time, the author has provided rationalization for regenerative-normotrophic theory of rejuvenation of the human body, since he has determined that bioregeneration is a fundamental physiological process which under certain conditions can rejuvenate the structure and functions of all organs and systems of the old human body to the level of its state at the young age, and has shown under what conditions it is possible and in what way the desired conditions could be achieved in old and senile age. The faithfulness of these gerontological theories has been confi rmed in practice – on their basis the method of consistent rejuvenation of the old human body has been established, which appeared to be very effective in animal experiments.

A motivation-enhancing treatment to sustain goal engagement during life course transitions

Although theory-driven control striving treatments may sustain motivation for individuals navigating life course transitions, their efficacy during these challenging junctures remains unexamined. In a pre-post randomized field study (n = 316), a novel control striving treatment based on Heckhausen et al.’s (Psychol Rev 117:32–60, 2010) motivational theory of life-span development was administered to young adults making the landmark transition to university. For students who faced obstacles to goal attainment, the motivation-enhancing selective secondary control (SSC) striving treatment (vs. no-treatment) increased performance by 8 % in a two-semester course (74.85 % vs. 66.68 %). Consistent with theory, the SSC treatment-performance linkage was mediated by selective secondary and selective primary control in a hypothesized causal sequence. Findings advance the literature by showing control striving treatments can improve performance for some young adults in transition by promoting adaptive changes in theoretically-derived psychological process variables.

Reducing Organizational Politics in Performance Appraisal: The Role of Coaching Leaders for Age-Diverse Employees

We examined whether a supervisor's coaching leadership style predicts the perception of organizational politics in performance appraisal (OPPA) reported by the collaborators. Additionally, we drew on social cognition and motivational life-span development theories to hypothesize age-related differences in perceived OPPA and its link with the coaching leadership style. Using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) on a sample of 576 employees and 112 leaders, we found that coaching leaders are perceived as less manipulative in their performance ratings, especially by older employees. This article includes a discussion of the implications these results have for performance management of an age-diverse workforce. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

What about time? Examining chronological and subjective age and their relation to work motivation

Purpose The aging workforce is becoming an increasingly important topic in today’s labor market. However, most scientific research and organizational policies focus on chronological age as the main determinant of successful aging. Based on life span developmental theories – primarily socioemotional selectivity theory and motivational theory of life span development – the purpose of this paper is to test the added value of using subjective age – in terms of remaining opportunities and remaining time – over and above chronological age in their associations with motivation at work and motivation to work. Design/methodology/approach Workers from five different divisions throughout the Netherlands (n=186) from a taxi company participated in the survey study. Findings The results from the regression analyses and structural equation modeling analyses support the hypotheses: when subjective age was included in the models, chronological age was virtually unrelated to workers’ intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and motivation to continue to work for one’s organization. Moreover, subjective age was strongly related to work motivation. Specifically, workers who perceived many remaining opportunities were more intrinsically and extrinsically motivated, and those who perceived a lot of remaining time were more motivated across the board. Originality/value The findings indicate that subjective age is an important concept to include in studies focussing on successful aging, thereby contributing to life span developmental theories. Further implications for research and practice are discussed.

Developmental regulation with progressive vision loss: Use of control strategies and affective well-being.

The present study addresses older adults' developmental regulation when faced with progressive and irreversible vision loss. We used the motivational theory of life span development as a conceptual framework and examined changes in older adults' striving for control over everyday goal achievement, and their association with affective well-being, in a sample of 364 older adults diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration. Using longitudinal data from 5 occasions at 6-month intervals, we examined intraindividual change in control strategies, and how it was related to change in affective well-being, in terms of self-rated happiness and depressive symptoms. Mixed model analyses confirmed our hypotheses that (a) intraindividual change, particularly in selective primary control and in compensatory secondary control (CSC), predict change toward higher happiness ratings and lower depression; and (b) as functional abilities (instrumental activities of daily living) declined, CSC became increasingly predictive of better affective well-being. Overall, the findings suggest that CSC strategies are essential for maintaining affective well-being when physical functioning declines. Intensified selective primary control striving may be effective to achieve goals that have become difficult to reach but are not associated with affective well-being, possibly because struggling with difficulties undermines the experience of enjoyable mastery. In contrast, goal adjustments and self-protective thinking may help to find pleasure even from restricted daily activities.

Lifespan Developmental Perspectives on Working: A Literature Review of Motivational Theories

Lifespan perspectives have emerged as important theoretical foundations for empirical investigations of a wide-range of phenomena relevant to the study of aging and work. The present manuscript presents a review and qualitative synthesis of this literature that satisfies several goals. To begin understanding this perspective, lifespan thinking in introduced as a general mode for understanding and conceptualizing dynamics in human development. Then, specific tenets and predications of 4 lifespan theories are summarized. Such summaries precede individually framed qualitative reviews of contemporary empirical investigations that either measure key lifespan constructs and relate them to work relevant outcomes, or adopt specific lifespan theoretical perspectives to support hypothesis development. This discussion supports a critique of lifespan thinking, and a recognition of several “gaps” in our understanding of lifespan development theories applied to this research domain. Following from this, several directions for future research are offered, including calls to develop an expanded understanding of lifespan processes in work contexts through the improvement of measurement tools and through the application of enhanced research methodologies. Finally, mirroring recent theoretical advancements, several possible points of integration among lifespan theories are offered on the basis of related predictions. This synthesis should serve as the basis for an enhanced lifespan theory of aging and work.

The impact of age on consumer attachment to celebrities and endorsed brand attachment

This study investigates developmental differences in self-determination needs as antecedents of consumers’ strong attachments to celebrities and, in turn, brand attachment. Applying lifespan development theory and self-determination theory, we propose that celebrity encouragement of consumer self-determination needs of autonomy (freedom), and relatedness (closeness) in the promotion of strong consumer–celebrity attachment, become less influential as consumers’ age. Results of two studies show the bounds of attachment theory and self-determination theory, and brand attachment, as an outcome of celebrity attachment. Findings from Study 1 show that autonomy and relatedness needs encouraged by celebrities become less influential in older consumers attachment to celebrities. Study 2 further identifies that self-determination needs (including autonomy and relatedness) strengthen younger adult consumers attachment to celebrities, which also encourages strong brand attachment when the celebrity is paired with a brand in an endorsement context. This study is important to human brand and brand managers in the development of attachment bonds between consumers and celebrities to strengthen endorsed brand attachment.

Aging and Self-Discrepancy: Evidence for Adaptive Change Across the Life Span

Background/Study Context: Higgins’ self-discrepancy theory (SDT; Higgins, 1987, Psychological Review, 94, 319–340) postulates that individuals are motivated to decrease the discrepancy between their current and future selves. The objective of the current research was to investigate adult age differences in quantitative and qualitative aspects of self-discrepancy.Methods: Higgins’ self-guide strength measure (Higgins et al., 1997, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72, 515–525) was utilized to compare self-discrepancy in older (aged 65–84) and younger (aged 17–30) healthy, community-dwelling adults. Additionally, the possible selves generated in the task were analyzed thematically.Results: Age was associated with lowered expectations concerning both current and future selves, but the magnitude of self-discrepancy remained constant across the life span. Thematically, interpersonal-related possible selves were important for both age groups, whereas significant age differences emerged in several other thematic domains: younger adults generated significantly more related to achievement, whereas older adults were significantly more concerned with duties, obligations, and health.Discussion: These findings reflect adaptive age-related changes in expectations and motivational priorities in line with life span theories of development.

Anxiety trajectories in the second half of life: Genetic and environmental contributions over age.

Clinically significant anxiety symptoms are prevalent among the elderly, yet knowledge about the longitudinal course of anxiety symptoms in later life remains scarce. The goals of this study were to (a) characterize age trajectories of state anxiety symptoms in the second half of life, and (b) estimate genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in the age trajectory of state anxiety. This study was based on data from 1,482 participants in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging who were aged 50 and older at their first occasion (512 complete twin pairs, 458 singletons) and had up to 6 measurement occasions spanning 11 years. Consistent with life span developmental theories of age-related emotional change, anxiety symptom levels declined during the transition from midlife to the mid-60s, followed by a mild increase that gradually plateaued in the 80s. There were substantial individual differences in the age trajectory of anxiety. After accounting for effects of sex, cohort, mode of testing, and proximity to death, this longitudinal variation was partitioned into biometric sources. Nonshared environmental variance was highest in the late 60s and declined thereafter, whereas genetic variance increased at an accelerated pace from approximately age 60 onward. There was no evidence for effects of rearing or other shared environment on anxiety symptoms in later life. These findings highlight how the etiology of anxiety symptoms changes from midlife to old age.

Is Early Experience Destiny? Review of Research on Long-Term Outcomes following International Adoption with Special Reference to the British Chinese Adoption Study.

The pathway from adverse early experience to adulthood for internationally adopted children is complex in identifying key influences, impacts, and outcomes. This review arose from the authors' involvement in the British Chinese Adoption Study, a recent outcomes study that explored the links between early orphanage care, adoptive experiences, and midadulthood. It differs from previous reviews in focusing on a greater length of time since adoption. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included to allow for examination of a fuller range of adult-related outcomes rather than mental health scores alone. The sampling, methods, and results of reviewed articles are summarised and a critical commentary is provided. Despite methodological differences and identified strengths and weaknesses, conclusions are drawn on the basis of the evidence available. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of negative outcomes. Findings identify areas that should be explored further in order to gain a fuller understanding of midlife outcomes of people who experienced a poor start in life followed by international adoption. Such studies help in refining lifespan developmental theories.

Family‐related demands, positive orientation, coping strategies and family satisfaction: A mediation model

This study investigates how gradual social change may affect subjective well‐being (SWB) in the family domain, for example how it impacts family satisfaction. Individuals are active agents who use personal resources and coping strategies to protect their SWB from the effects of social change. Specifically, we predict that family demands affect SWB negatively, whereas positive orientation and coping strategies have a protective role. In a sample of 261 young Italian adults, family‐demands associated with social changes were found to have negative effects that could only be reduced from having a positive orientation. Furthermore, confirming the motivational theory of lifespan development, problem‐focused strategies were beneficial for family satisfaction to the extent that they represent an adaptation response to demands associated with social changes.

Understanding identity integration: Theoretical, methodological, and applied issues

Identity integration is one of the foundational theoretical concepts in Erikson's (1968) theory of lifespan development. However, the topic is understudied relative to its theoretical and practical importance. The extant research is limited in quantity and scope, and there is considerable heterogeneity in how identity integration is conceptualized and measured. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to 1) provide a conceptual discussion of different forms of identity integration 2) highlight the different methodological approaches represented in the literature, and 3) detail the implications of integration for psychological functioning. In particular, we provide a conceptual and methodological discussion of four forms of integration: two that are widely recognized, contextual integration and temporal integration, and two that have received less attention, ego integration and person-society integration. We see this paper as filling a need in the literature for those interested in how complex identity processes are related to psychological functioning.

Using Lifespan Developmental Theory and Methods as a Viable Alternative to the Study of Generational Differences at Work

I agree with Costanza and Finkelstein (2015) that it is futile to further invest in the study of generational differences in the work context due to a lack of appropriate theory and methods. The key problem with the generations concept is that splitting continuous variables such as age or time into a few discrete units involves arbitrary cutoffs and atheoretical groupings of individuals (e.g., stating that all people born between the early 1960s and early 1980s belong to Generation X). As noted by methodologists, this procedure leads to a loss of information about individuals and reduced statistical power (MacCallum, Zhang, Preacher, & Rucker, 2002). Due to these conceptual and methodological limitations, I regard it as very difficult if not impossible to develop a “comprehensive theory of generations” (Costanza & Finkelstein, p. 20) and to rigorously examine generational differences at work in empirical studies.