This handbook integrates and discusses a growing evidence base concerning individual development across middle and late adulthood. The book includes a comprehensive analysis of what growth implies within midlife and older age and considers how different developmental areas are intertwined (i.e., physical, cognitive, social and emotional development as well as personality growth). As the gap between theory and practice still constitutes an issue in developmental research, the handbook also aims to provide illustrative examples of prevention and intervention from a positive psychology perspective. These were selected to represent a variety of topics, relevant for individual development where research informs practice, ranging from happiness, grandparenthood, love and sexuality to loneliness, depression, anxiety, suicide prevention and coping with death.
This handbook is a must-have resource for students and researchers working in developmental psychology, health psychology, gerontology and, public health. It will also be of interest to practitioners such as counsellors, life coaches, psychotherapists, organizational psychologists, health professionals, social workers or public health planners.
Author(s): Irina Catrinel Crăciun
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 504
City: Cham
Foreword
Preface
Contents
About the Author
Chapter 1: Introduction: Applying Positive Psychology Principles to Foster Development in Midlife and Older Age
Aims of the Present Book
How to Use the Present Book
Reflection Questions
References
Part I: Imagining and Planning Development
Chapter 2: A Change in Paradigm: From Disengagement Theory to Positive Ageing Models
Introduction: Ageing and Development
The Biological Approach to Ageing: Looking for the Longevity Gene
The Sociological Perspective: Acknowledging the Crucial Role of the Social Context
The Psychological Perspective: Ageing Well as Personal Choice
Bringing the Perspectives Together: The Need for a Paradigm Change
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 3: Thinking About Development: Defining Criteria, Exploring Processes, and Evaluating Change
Introduction: How Can We Measure Development in Middle and Old Age?
Defining Criteria for Positive Ageing and Setting Standards for Development
Focus on Process: Understanding How to Develop and Age Well
How to Evaluate Development: Examining the Potential of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 4: Interventions at the Crossroad: From Preventing Decline to Fostering Growth
Introduction: Framing Interventions to Foster Development in Older Age
The Active Ageing Policy Framework
The Intervention Mapping Framework
Challenging and Changing the Frame: Positive Psychology Interventions to Foster Development in Midlife and Old Age
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Part II: Understanding and Exploring the Developmental Potential
Chapter 5: Physical Development in Midlife and Older Age: Promoting Health as an Individual Asset
Introduction
Defining Physical Development in Midlife and Older Age
Experiences with Physical Development in Midlife and Older Age
Why Intervene? Links with Development in Other Life Domains
How to Intervene to Promote Physical Development in Midlife and Older Age
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 6: Cognitive Development in Midlife and Older Age: From Neuroplasticity to Self-Efficacy and Positive Views on Ageing
Introduction
Age-Related Changes in Cognition in Midlife and Older Age
Meanings and Experiences: Facing Cognitive Challenges and Fostering Strengths
Why Intervene? Links Between Cognitive Improvement and Other Developmental Spheres?
How to Foster Cognitive Development in Older Age
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 7: Social Development in Midlife and Older Age: How Social Roles and Relations Shape Personal Growth
Introduction
Explaining Social Development in Midlife and Old Age
Experiences of Social Relations: Friendships in Midlife and Older Age
How Is Social Development Linked to Other Domains of Personal Growth?
How to Foster Friendships in Midlife or Older Age
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 8: Emotional Development in Midlife and Older Age: Are We Happier with Age?
Introduction
Defining Emotional Development in Later Life
Understanding the Mystery of the Positivity Effect
How Emotional Development Is Linked to Other Domains of Development
How to Foster Emotional Development in Middle-Aged and Older People
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 9: Personality Development in Midlife and Older Age: Mission Impossible or a Necessary Goal for Positive Ageing?
Introduction
Defining Personality Development: A Necessary Process or an Inevitable Outcome?
Experiences with Personality Development
How Is Personality Development Related to Other Domains of Growth?
How Can We Foster Personality Development in Midlife and Older Age?
Conclusion
Refection Questions
References
Part III: Implementing Positive Developmental Changes
Chapter 10: Addressing Ageism and Development in Midlife and Old Age
Introduction
Explaining Ageism
Why Intervene: Ageism and Development
How to Address Ageism: Prevention and Intervention Principles and Examples
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 11: Love Knows No Age: Fostering Romantic Relationships in Midlife and Older Age
Introduction
Explaining Love in Midlife and Older Age
The Experience of Love in Middle and Older Age
Why Intervene: Love and Development in Midlife and Older Age
How to Intervene: Fostering Fulfilled Romantic Relationships in Midlife and Older Age
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 12: Sexuality and Development: Towards a Fulfilling Sexuality in Midlife and Older Age
Introduction
Explaining Sexuality in Midlife and Older Age: Change and Continuity
Giving Older People a Voice: Testimonials Concerning Experiences of Sexuality in Midlife and Older Age
Why Intervene: Sexuality and Development
How to Intervene: Developing a Fulfilling Sexuality in Midlife and Older Age
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 13: The Quest for Happiness: Applying Positive Psychology Principles to Foster Happiness in Midlife and Older Age
Introduction
Explaining Happiness in Midlife and Older Age
The Experience of Happiness in Midlife and Older Age
Why Intervene: Happiness and Development in Midlife and Older Age
How to Intervene: Happiness in Midlife and Old Age as Personal or Social Responsibility
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 14: Addressing Loneliness in Midlife and Older Age: Increasing Social Skills and Connectedness
Introduction
The Experience of Loneliness in Midlife and Older Age
Explaining Loneliness in Midlife and Older Age
Measuring Loneliness in Midlife and Older Age
Why Intervene: Loneliness and Development
How to Intervene to Prevent and Manage Loneliness in Older Age
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 15: Grandparent Roles: Potentials and Pitfalls for Development
Introduction
Defining and Explaining Grandparenthood
The Experience of Being a Grandparent
Why Intervene: Grandparenthood and Development
How to Intervene to Foster the Developmental Potential of Grandparenthood
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 16: Coping with Pain: Potential for Development in Midlife and Older Age
Introduction
The Experience of Pain in Midlife and Older Age
Pain Assessment in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals
Models That Explain Pain in Midlife and Older Age
Why Intervene: Pain and Development in Midlife and Older Age
How to Intervene: Pain Management in Midlife and Older Age
Changing Beliefs and Attitudes Related to Pain
Identify and Strengthen Effective Coping Mechanisms
Increasing Support and Communicating About Pain
Pain Prevention for Middle-Aged and Older Individuals
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 17: Anxiety Disorders in Older Age: Prevention and Intervention from a Positive Psychology Perspective
Introduction
Defining Anxiety Among Older People
How to Diagnose Anxiety Disorders Among Older Adults
Explaining Anxiety in Older Age
Why Is It Relevant to Intervene and Address Anxiety in Midlife and Old Age?
How to Intervene to Help Older People Suffering from Anxiety
Case Study: How Can We Prevent Anxiety About Ageing?
Case Study: Fear of Falls Among Older Adults – How to Intervene?
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 18: Depression in Old Age: Prevention and Intervention from a Positive Psychology Perspective
Introduction
Characteristics of Depression in Old Age and How to Diagnose It
Explaining Depression in Older Age
The Relationship of Depression with Development: Why Intervene?
How to Intervene: Treating Depression Among Older Individuals from a Positive Psychology Perspective
Prevention of Depression in Older Age
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 19: Suicide Prevention in Older Age: A Positive Psychology Viewpoint
Introduction
The Meaning of Suicide in Older Age: Risk and Protective Factors
Theories Explaining Suicide in Older Age
How to Design Interventions to Prevent Suicide Among Older Individuals
Conclusion
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 20: Designing Positive Psychology Interventions for Death Preparation and Bereavement Among Older Adults
Introduction
Meanings of Death Among Older Adults
Explaining the Process of Dying: Meanings and Theories
Grief and Bereavement: Meanings and Intervention
Interventions to Help People Deal with Death Preparation in Older Age
Conclusions
Reflection Questions
References
Chapter 21: Conclusion: Ageing and Development from a Positive Psychology Perspective
Further Exploration of Development from a Positive Psychology Viewpoint
How Is This Book Useful and to Whom?
References
Index
