Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Wisdom development has typically been studied as a function of the individual, yet the social environment can also facilitate its development (Igarashi, Levenson, & Aldwin, 2018). We extended our earlier work by examining the sequence of social support and timing of pivotal wisdom-promoting social transactions following a difficult life event. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with men (n = 14) and women (n= 36), aged 56 - 91 years (M = 71.71; SD = 8.8) who described a difficult life event and how they coped. For some participants, social support created an immediate experience of self-transcendent positive emotions, while others benefited from transactions that promoted a deliberate process of exploration and reflection involving years. This rapid versus slower development of wisdom is similar to the distinction made in the attainment of enlightenment. Thus, the heterogeneity of social support and its meaning to the individual may differentially promote the development of wisdom.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Authors: H Igarashi, M R Levenson, C M Aldwin
Institution: Oregon State University
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2899597002