Question

which of the following is true regarding the socioemotional selectivity theory?

a.) people tend to increase social interaction and focus more on quantity of interaction rather than quality.

b.) people become increasingly reckless with their time as they age, with no true purpose or desire.

c.) people that are younger start out with a goal of leaving behind a legacy when they are gone, but that desire diminishes as they age.

d.) people become increasingly selective as they age, investing greater resources in emotionally meaningful goals and activities.

Explanation:

The user is asking to identify the true statement regarding socioemotional selectivity theory from the provided multiple-choice options.

Define the core theory

Socioemotional selectivity theory, developed by Laura Carstensen, is a life-span theory of motivation. It posits that as people age and perceive their remaining time as increasingly limited, they shift their focus from future-oriented, knowledge-acquisition goals to present-oriented, emotion-regulation goals.

Evaluate the options

• Option a: This option states that people increase social interaction and focus on quantity rather than quality. This is incorrect; the theory states that older adults narrow their social networks to focus on high-quality, emotionally close relationships.
• Option b: This option suggests people become reckless with their time with no purpose. This is incorrect; aging individuals become more deliberate and selective with their time to maximize emotional meaning.
• Option c: This option discusses younger people starting with a goal of leaving a legacy that diminishes with age. This does not accurately capture the primary motivational shifts described by the theory.
• Option d: This option states that people become increasingly selective as they age, investing greater resources in emotionally meaningful goals and activities. This directly aligns with the core tenets of socioemotional selectivity theory.

Answer:

• a.) People tend to increase social interaction and focus on quantity of interaction rather than quality.
• b.) People become increasingly reckless with their time as they age, with no true purpose or desire.
• c.) People that are younger start out with a goal of leaving behind a legacy when they are gone, but that desire diminishes as they age.
• d.) People become increasingly selective as they age, investing greater resources in emotionally meaningful goals and activities. (Correct answer)