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Age Differences in Affective Well-Being: Context Matters
Article first published online: 14 JUL 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00202.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal Compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
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How to Cite
Charles, S. T. and Piazza, J. R. (2009), Age Differences in Affective Well-Being: Context Matters. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 3: 711–724. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00202.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 SEP 2009
- Article first published online: 14 JUL 2009
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Abstract
The study of emotion across the adult lifespan requires an understanding of how life circumstances change with age. With this knowledge, we can predict when age is related to increases in affective well-being and when age no longer confers such benefits. In the current paper, we review research that finds age-related stability and even increases in affective well-being, as well as age-related strengths in several emotion regulation strategies. We introduce the theory of Strength and Vulnerability Integration to predict age-related patterns in emotional experience across the adult lifespan, and to identify situations when age will no longer be related to improved emotion-related outcomes. We suggest that only by understanding the context of daily life can we predict when and how age is related to affective well-being.