Contrast 2 theories or perspectives from the late stage adult development?

To contrast two theories or perspectives from the late stage of adult development, we need to identify and understand two distinct theories or perspectives.

One theory is Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which suggests that individuals go through eight stages of psychological and social development throughout their lives. The final stage, known as "Integrity vs. Despair," occurs during late adulthood and revolves around the idea of reflecting on one's life and coming to terms with both accomplishments and regrets. According to Erikson, successful resolution of this stage leads to a sense of integrity and wisdom, while failure to do so may result in feelings of despair and a fear of death.

Another perspective is the socioemotional selectivity theory proposed by Laura Carstensen. This theory focuses on how individuals perceive time and the effect it has on their goals and emotional experiences. According to this theory, as individuals age, they become more aware of the limited time remaining in their lives and prioritize emotionally meaningful experiences and relationships. This leads to a narrowing of social networks as older adults choose to invest more in quality relationships rather than expanding their social circles.

To contrast these two theories, we can examine their focus and underlying principles. Erikson's theory emphasizes the development of ego integrity through self-reflection, while Carstensen's socioemotional selectivity theory highlights the prioritization of emotional well-being and meaningful connections. While Erikson's theory focuses on resolving internal conflicts related to identity, Carstensen's theory emphasizes how individuals adapt their goals and pursue emotional satisfaction as they age.

To further explore these theories and their contrasts, you can refer to scholarly articles, books, or research papers that discuss late stage adult development and the theories in depth. These sources will provide a comprehensive understanding of each theory and allow you to compare and contrast them effectively.

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