Developmental Psychology

Achieve Test Prep: Developmental Psychology

Psychological Problems: Generally speaking, elderly individuals are less likely to have psychological illnesses. Approximately 10% of the individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia have psychological problems rather than physiological problems. Clinical depression is often misdiagnosed in the elderly as dementia. When treated properly with therapy and medications, depression symptoms can usually regress. If untreated, depression can be fatal. The suicide rate in late adulthood is higher than in any other group. Psychosocial Development Theories: According to Erikson , an individual of late adulthood is in the Integrity versus Despair Stage . During this stage, people may look back on their lives and evaluate their sense of integrity. - Self-Theories o Begins with the premise of a choice o Ends with self-actualization, according to Maslow o Continuity Theory : a self-theory which focuses on how each person experiences life - Activity and Disengagement Theories

o The Activity Theory stresses the importance of staying physically active. o The Disengagement Theory is controversial and says that the person disengages and withdraws from society as they age.

- Kahn’s Model of Successful Aging o Promotion of physical wellbeing

o Proper opportunities for social activities o Maintenance of cognitive ability

Work and Retirement: More and more people are retiring from the workforce, largely due to financial incentives. Retirement is a significant transition for many people. This transition is more difficult and stressful if the retirement was forced or sudden. Regardless of the benefits of retirement, there are negative aspects, all of which require the individual to adjust to a new life role. One of the most difficult parts of retirement is the potential for poverty. Before the twentieth century, one-third of elderly individuals lived below the poverty line. In recent years, programs such as Medicare and Social Security have developed to help and support the post- retirement populations.

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