Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST)

Definition

SST is a psychological theory that suggests as individuals age, they prioritize emotional fulfillment and seek meaningful social relationships while reducing their focus on acquiring new knowledge or expanding their social networks.

Related terms

Age-Related Positivity Effect: This refers to the tendency for older adults to remember and focus on positive information more than negative information.

Social Clock:

The idea that society sets expectations for when certain life events or milestones should occur (e.g., getting married, having children), which can influence an individual's decision-making.

Selective Optimization with Compensation: This theory suggests that individuals adapt to aging by focusing on their strengths (optimization), finding alternative ways to compensate for limitations, and selectively choosing goals in order to maintain overall well-being.