Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

How does the patterning of adults' social relationships and thinking change with age? Why do some older adults negotiate later life transitions more effectively than others? The Social Psychology of Aging considers these and other questions in an accessible and comprehensive study of the psychosocial aspects of aging.

Michael Pratt and Joan Norris consider the social psychology of aging in the context of three themes. First, the process of aging must be considered within a lifespan perspective. Second, there is a great deal of diversity among older people in their adaptation to aging in social contexts. Third, social interaction and social support have a significant impact upon the way in which adults age.

The Social Psychology of Aging explores the ways in which older people construct the social worlds they inhabit and how they cope in them, using m any real-life examples. The book helps us understand how older adults think about and experience themselves and others, relationships, and the social problems of everyday living. Throughout, the authors draw on the latest research by social and developmental psychologists and gerentologists, and point out implications for policy and practice.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• List of Figures
• List of Tables
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Part 1 An Introduction and Orientation
• Defining Social Cognition
• Themes of the book
• Plan of the book
• Part 2 Theoretical Perspectives on Lifespan Social
• Cognition
• General developmental issues
• Lifespan issues
• Four theoretical frameworks
• Part 3 Thinking about the Self
• Theretical Perspectives on the Self
• The Research Evidence: the Self in Later Life
• Tracing the book's themes
• The Characters Reconsidered
• Part 4 Thinking about Other Persons
• Theoretical Frameworks
• Social Perception and Aging: the evidence
• Tracing the book's themes
• Reconsidering Bob and Jim
• Part 5 Thinking about Relationships
• Theoretical Perspectives on Social Relationships
• The Research evidence
• Tracing the book's themes
• Understanding Mrs. McIvor
• Part 6 Thinking about Society
• Theoretical Frameworks for Societal Involvement and Aging
• Societal Involvement, Satisfaction, and Aging: the evidence
• Tracing the Book's themes
• Mrs. McKillop Revisited
• Part 7 Decision-Making, Wisdom, and Moral Judgement
• Everyday Decision-Making and Problem Solving
• Research on Aging and Social problem-solving
• Research and Theory on Wisdom
• Moral Reasoning and Judgement across adulthood
• Tracing the Book's Themes
• Understanding Mr. Little and Father Stones
• Part 8 Communication: Social Cognition in Action
• Communication and Social Cognition
• Theoretical Frameworks
• The Research Evidence on Language and Aging
• Tracing the book's Themes
• Susan Black: the Issues Reconsidered
• Part 9 ConclusionImplications for Research
• Implications for Policy and Practice
• Aging into the Twenty-first Century
• A Perspective on the Social Psychology of Aging
• References
• Subject Index
• Author Index

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Joan E. Norris is Associate Professor in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario.