How Emotional Responses Vary Across Lifespan
Author Information
Author(s): Ryan Muskin, David Popivker, Eric Allard
Primary Institution: Cleveland State University
Hypothesis
As perceived control increases, emotional reactivity decreases for older adults but increases for younger adults.
Conclusion
Lower perceived control in older adults may lead to greater emotional reactivity and reduced positive affect.
Supporting Evidence
- Perceptions of control tend to decrease with age.
- Older adults are more sensitive to low-control situations.
- There is a positive correlation between perceived control and positive affect for older adults.
Takeaway
Older people might feel more emotional when they think they have less control, while younger people might feel less emotional when they think they have more control.
Methodology
60 younger adults and 50 older adults were asked to relive strong emotional memories, and their emotional reactivity was assessed through self-reported affect, heart rate variability, and electrodermal activity.
Participant Demographics
60 younger adults (ages 18-35) and 50 older adults (ages 60+).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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