Satisfaction with social networks: an examination of socioemotional selectivity theory across cohorts.
This study examines L. L. Carstensen's (1993, 1995) socioemotional selectivity theory within and across three cohorts spanning 4 decades. Socioemotional selectivity theory predicts that as individuals age, they narrow their social networks to devote more emotional resources to fewer relationships with close friends and family. Data from 3 cohorts of nationally representative samples were analyzed to determine whether respondents' satisfaction with the size of their social networks differed by age, cohort, or both. Results support socioemotional selectivity theory: More older adults than younger adults were satisfied with the current size of their social networks rather than wanting larger networks. These findings are consistent across all cohorts. Results are discussed with respect to social relationships across the life course.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- White People
- Social Support
- Social Behavior
- Social Adjustment
- Sampling Studies
- Random Allocation
- Personal Satisfaction
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Longitudinal Studies
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- White People
- Social Support
- Social Behavior
- Social Adjustment
- Sampling Studies
- Random Allocation
- Personal Satisfaction
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Longitudinal Studies