The Psychology Of Control And Aging Psychology Revivals

Originally published in 1986, the central topic of this book is the analysis and application of control-related beliefs and behaviours for theory and practice in the psychology of aging. The volume was written for two specific interrelated purposes aimed at cross-fertilization between the psychology of control and the field of gerontology. The first purpose was to summarise available research and theory on the psychology of control for researchers and professionals interested in gerontology at the time. The second was to enrich the field of the psychology of control.

Langer uses her orginal field research to show the impact of a person's sense of control on their mental and physical well being. The book begins by dealing with general issues, refining our concept of what a sense of control is, showing how it differs from power, choice, or ability to predict events. Chapters in the second section show how people lose and regain control in everyday life: asking a favour, taking precautions against burglary. The third section shows the effects that loss of control have on the elderly, and the benefits and adverse effects of treatments that increased their sense of control. 'This material can be strongly recommended to those who are involved in the management of the chronic sick, the elderly

"Leading scholars in perceived control research review the important historical foundations and most recent developments in key areas of control theory, research, and practice. Their reviews provide insights into how this important concept became so widely influential, and project how it will continue to generate new knowledge in the future"--

This well-established and accessible text has now been completely revised in an expanded fourth edition. Each chapter has been updated to reflect current thinking. The chapters about personality and lifestyle have been significantly expanded. This new edition is essential reading for all those working with older people, as well as a key text for students. This new edition replaces The Psychology of Ageing: An Introduction, 3rd Edition, ISBN 1 85302 771 5, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in 2000.

The past few years have witnessed widespread acceptance of the notion that few elderly individuals are willing to stand by silently in the process of growing, and to relinquish whatever actual controls, autonomy or control beliefs they had in the past. Increasingly, old age is viewed as the dynamics of growth in mastery, control and self-efficacy, on the one hand, and a relative decline in psychological and physical resources on the other. It is the intent of this volume to communicate both aspects of these changes, and to offer a comprehensive review of the cross-fertilization of the field of gerontology and the psychology of reactance, freedom and control. Leading psychologists and social science researchers from the United States, Canada and Europe give their views on the meaning and application of control-related constructs having specific implications for the field of human aging. They address themselves to one or more of the major themes, issues or concerns which currently figure in discussions of control beliefs and control constructs as they apply to aging and old age. Written primarily for scholars, researchers and developmental theorists interested in the complexities and generativity of control constructs and their applications for the psychological well-being of older adults, the data and issues presented will be equally informative to gero-psychologists and mental health professionals concerned with healthy adaptive functioning of the elderly.

This new and exciting reader includes over 26 articles that have been carefully selected for the undergraduate audience, and taken from the very accessible Current Directions in Psychological Science journal. These timely, cutting-edge articles allow instructors to bring their students real-world perspective--from a reliable source--about today's most current and pressing issues in adulthood and aging.