Part A, B, C Are To Be Answered Separately

Part A B C Are To Be Answered Separatelypart A B C Are To Be Answered Separatelypart A Select 2 Of Th

Part A, B & C are to be answered separately.

Part A: Select 2 of the following prompts: What is the age-based double standard of perceived competence in young and older adults? What three factors must be considered when understanding social belief systems? Are negative views of aging assimilated into adults' views of themselves? How does our use of primary and secondary control strategies change across the lifespan? What is collaborative cognition? According to McAdams, how does a life story develop over time? What are the research findings concerning religiosity and ethnicity?

Part B: Select 2 of the following prompts: How is culture an important factor in understanding intimate relationship violence? What are the characteristics of marriage in later life? What are the repercussions associated with widowhood? What is the Elder Justice Act? What is AIDS dementia complex? What is the prevalence of anxiety disorders? Why are they common in older people?

Part C: Select 2 of the following prompts: What is the meaning of work? Describe the basic concepts of the six-factor Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). How do occupational expectations develop? What does it mean to be satisfied with one's job? Who is most likely to be affected by burnout? Describe gender discrimination, the glass ceiling, and the glass elevator. The effects of job loss vary with gender, education, and explain.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding psychological, social, and occupational aspects of aging is crucial to developing comprehensive support systems and policies for diverse populations. The prompts provided span critical areas, including perceptions of competence in aging, social belief systems, religiosity and ethnicity, intimate relationship dynamics, widowhood, legal protections, mental health issues, and occupational satisfaction. This paper strategically addresses two prompts from each section, expanding on these complex themes with current research and theoretical insights.

Part A: Perceptions, Beliefs, and Identity over the Lifespan

From the first set, the exploration of the age-based double standard of perceived competence and the development of life stories over time offers fascinating insights into aging psychology. The age-based double standard refers to societal tendencies to perceive older adults as less competent than younger individuals, while simultaneously viewing younger adults as more capable regardless of their actual abilities. This bias affects self-esteem, employment opportunities, and social integration for older individuals (Roth, 2014). Sociologists and psychologists argue that these perceptions stem from societal stereotypes that associate aging with decline, thus influencing both external judgments and internal self-evaluations.

The development of a life story, as described by McAdams (2008), provides a narrative framework through which individuals interpret their experiences over time. A coherent life story integrates personal identity, goals, and meaning, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and respond to life changes. Over the lifespan, this narrative becomes more complex and integrated, reflecting accumulated experiences, cultural influences, and personal growth. This developmental process is crucial for identity formation and psychological resilience in later life.

Regarding social belief systems, three factors must be considered: cultural context, personal experiences, and societal norms (Markus & Kitayama, 2010). These factors influence how individuals interpret social cues and form core beliefs about themselves and others. Negative views of aging tend to be internalized by adults, especially in societies that valorize youth and productivity. Research indicates that internalized ageist stereotypes can negatively impact self-esteem and health outcomes among older adults (Levy, 2009). Such internalization may lead to decreased activity levels, poorer health, and reluctance to seek help or participate in social activities.

The use of primary and secondary control strategies changes across the lifespan as individuals adapt to aging-related changes. Primary control involves actively changing the environment to fit one's needs, while secondary control adjusts internal expectations and motivations. Older adults tend to favor secondary control strategies—such as reappraisal and acceptance—due to decreased physical capacities and increased acceptance of limitations (Wrosch et al., 2007). These strategies are adaptive, fostering well-being and resilience in later life.

Part B: Cultural, Social, and Legal Factors Influencing Aging

The second set begins with the role of culture in understanding intimate relationship violence. Cultural norms influence perceptions of gender roles, power dynamics, and acceptability of violence within relationships. In some cultures, honor and shame significantly affect reporting of abuse, complicating intervention efforts (Kishor & Johnson, 2006). Recognizing cultural context is essential for designing culturally sensitive prevention and intervention programs.

Marriage in later life exhibits distinctive characteristics, including increased companionship, shared resources, and often, caregiving roles (Carstensen et al., 2011). Unlike youth, older couples tend to value emotional intimacy and stable routines over novelty. However, remarriage and widowhood affect social networks and physical health. Widowhood, in particular, is associated with increased risks of depression, social isolation, and health decline. The loss of a spouse requires adjustment strategies, social support, and mental health interventions to mitigate adverse effects (Kobayashi, 2013).

The Elder Justice Act (EJA), enacted in 2010, aims to combat elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through increased funding for investigation and prosecution, as well as support for victims. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, including legal, social, and healthcare professionals collaborating to protect vulnerable elders (U.S. Department of Justice, 2010). Addressing the prevalence of anxiety disorders among older adults, which often exceeds that in younger populations, involves understanding factors such as health concerns, loss of independence, and social isolation. Anxiety disorders are prevalent due to the cumulative impact of life stressors and neurobiological changes associated with aging (Bryant et al., 2015).

Part C: The Meaning of Work and Career Development in Later Life

The final set explores the conceptualization of work and its significance in an aging society. Work provides more than income; it offers purpose, social integration, and identity. For older adults, meaningful work can serve as a source of aging identity, facilitating social participation and psychological well-being (Warr, 2008). However, many face barriers such as age discrimination, limited opportunities, and physical limitations.

The Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) articulates six core factors influencing career development: self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, goals, supports, and barriers (Lent et al., 1994). These elements interact dynamically, shaping occupational expectations and career choices over time. For example, positive experiences and encouragement can strengthen self-efficacy, leading to sustained engagement in preferred occupations, even in later life.

Job satisfaction relates to the alignment between work experiences and personal values, perceptions of competence, and social environment. Satisfaction is associated with higher well-being, while dissatisfaction can lead to burnout. Burnout affects workers most exposed to high demands and low control, and older employees may be at risk when faced with technological changes or physical health issues.

Gender discrimination manifests through practices like the glass ceiling—barriers preventing women from reaching leadership roles—and the glass elevator—accelerated promotion of men over women in male-dominated industries (Hymowitz & Schellhardt, 1986). The impact of job loss varies across gender, education, and economic context; for example, lower-educated men may experience more profound identity crises, while women often face economic hardship but may have broader social networks to rely on.

Conclusion

The complexities surrounding aging perceptions, social beliefs, cultural influences, legal protections, and occupational experiences highlight the importance of multidimensional approaches to support older adults. Recognizing the role of societal norms, developing culturally sensitive interventions, and promoting inclusive workplace policies can improve quality of life, social integration, and societal participation for aging populations.

References

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