Satisfaction with social networks: an examination of socioemotional selectivity theory across cohorts.
This study examines L. L. Carstensen's (1993, 1995) socioemotional selectivity theory within and across three cohorts spanning 4 decades. Socioemotional selectivity theory predicts that as individuals age, they narrow their social networks to devote more emotional resources to fewer relationships with close friends and family. Data from 3 cohorts of nationally representative samples were analyzed to determine whether respondents' satisfaction with the size of their social networks differed by age, cohort, or both. Results support socioemotional selectivity theory: More older adults than younger adults were satisfied with the current size of their social networks rather than wanting larger networks. These findings are consistent across all cohorts. Results are discussed with respect to social relationships across the life course.
Lansford
J E
JE
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1109. jlansfor@umich.edu
Sherman
A M
AM
Antonucci
T C
TC
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011897:Random Allocation; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology