socioemotional selectivity theory

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theory that as time horizons shrink, people become increasingly selective, investing greater resources in emotionally meaningful goals, activities, and relationships

Alternative Meanings:
  • socioemotional selectivity theory

    theory associated with the developmentalist Laura Carestensen which posits a shift at this time in the life course, caused by a shift in time horizons. Time left in our lives is now shorter than time previously spent. Consciously, or sub-consciously, this influences a greater unwillingness to “suffer fools gladly” or endure unsatisfactory situations at work or elsewhere. Emotional regulation, and the satisfactions that affords, becomes more important, and demands fulfillment in the present