1
|
Glück J. Wisdom and aging. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 55:101742. [PMID: 38071786 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
How is wisdom related to aging? While many people associate wisdom with advanced age, becoming wise clearly requires more than "just" growing old - accumulated life experience is an important foundation for wisdom, but not all highly wise individuals are old and many old individuals are not particularly wise. This article first reviews how wisdom is defined in psychological research, with an emphasis on models of how wisdom develops. Then, recent research is reviewed that looks into (a) the relationship between wisdom and chronological age and (b) wisdom as a resource for coping with age-related challenges. Finally, some general conclusions are drawn and important research gaps are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Glück
- Department of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ng Chok H, Lewis P, Mannix J, Wilkes L. Practical advice for refugees aspiring to become registered nurses in Australia. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:234-243. [PMID: 36262076 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This paper describes practical advice for refugees aspiring to become Registered Nurses (RNs) in Australia. DESIGN Qualitative description using a naturalistic inquiry framework. METHODS Between February 2018 and September 2019, the lead author conducted semi-structured interviews with employed RNs that are former refugees that speak English. Interviews were 45-90 min in duration and digitally recorded. Participants provided voluntary informed consent and were sent questions beforehand. All transcription data were thematically analysed for key themes until no further themes were identified. This paper covers practical advice provided by the participants at the conclusion of their interviews. RESULTS Twelve participants provided practical advice. Six themes were identified: (1) Find your purpose and set goals; (2) Work hard and never give up; (3) Seek support; (4) Capitalize on opportunities; (5) Be optimistic; (6) Give back. The last theme, give back, was salient across all interviews and was an inherent motivator for some participants once their RN status was achieved. CONCLUSION Each participant set the goal of becoming a fully registered nurse and made it a life goal that provided meaning for them. Despite their experiences, the participants provided practical advice that could guide younger people aspiring to become successfully qualified RNs. IMPACT The findings in this study are unique as they are derived from people with experiences as refugees who, despite their adversity, became RNs. The practical advice provides a framework not only for younger people from refugee backgrounds seeking to achieve their professional goals, but others looking to succeed in other workforce sectors. The practical advice for success will be useful in informing nursing authorities, tertiary institutions and private and public health organizations to develop effective approaches to guide the next generation of would-be RNs set to contribute to nursing practice in Australia. There were no patient or public contributions as the focus was the personal and professional lives of nurses with refugee backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Ng Chok
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Lewis
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Academic Workforce, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury, Australia
| | - Judy Mannix
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lesley Wilkes
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brudek P, Krok D, Steuden S. Religiosity and social support in Polish older adults: the mediating role of wisdom. Perspectives on Lars Tornstam's theory of gerotranscendence. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2496-2502. [PMID: 34657535 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1989378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether wisdom is a mediator in the relationships between religious meaning system and social support among older adults. According to the theory of gerotranscendence, associations of religiousness and social support are complex and suggest the existence of wisdom in their internal structures.Method: The study included 466 persons aged 50-75. Three measures were used: Religious Meaning System Scale (RMSS), Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS) and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS).Results: The analyses allowed for a partial verification of the hypothesis that wisdom is a mediator in the relationship between the religious meaning system and the multidimensional social support in late adulthood. It was confirmed that wisdom mediates the relationship between the religious meaning system and three out of the five dimensions of social support (perceived available support, actually received support and protective buffering support). Conclusion: These findings suggest that wisdom is an important element of religious meaning system and social support that is used by people as a part of their maturing into gerotranscendence to cope with life's difficulties and challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Brudek
- Department of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dariusz Krok
- Department of Psychology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
| | - Stanisława Steuden
- Department of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Vleet B, Fuller HR, Hofmann B, Huseth-Zosel A. Untapped Insight: A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis of Older Adults' Advice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igac071. [PMID: 36600809 PMCID: PMC9799044 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Due to a lifetime of experience, older adults are uniquely positioned to contribute advice and insight to others during a historical, societal crisis such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This qualitative study explores the solicited advice older adults offered their peers, family members, and communities throughout the first year of the pandemic. Research Design and Methods A sample of 72 older adults aged 70-97 from Minnesota and North Dakota were asked what advice they would provide to others in June 2020 and again in April/May 2021. Participants were asked to provide advice on individual coping and how community members should support older adults during the pandemic, as well as how others should adjust after the pandemic. Responses were coded and developed into overarching themes. Results Older adults advised others during the pandemic to foster mental and physical well-being, develop positive life perspectives, and connect to others as strategies to cope through the pandemic. Participants advised that after the pandemic people should remain vigilant, return to normal, and emerge as better people. Advice targeted to meeting the needs of older adults during the pandemic included: adopt selfless attitudes, take intentional actions, and maintain balance. A longitudinal approach revealed that advice remained consistent over time, despite the circumstances caused by COVID-19 changing. Discussion and Implications Findings suggest that older adults utilize their life experiences and coping strategies as sources for drawing advice. These findings also suggest that older adults are sources of insight during crises. Future research should investigate additional advice older adults can offer and how willingly communities listen. Applied work should give older adults opportunities to provide far-reaching advice as well as develop interventions aimed at decreasing ageist perceptions of older adults in times of crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Van Vleet
- Address correspondence to: Bryce Van Vleet, BA, Human Development and Family Science, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA. E-mail:
| | - Heather R Fuller
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Brittany Hofmann
- Department of Human Development and Family Science & School of Business, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Andrea Huseth-Zosel
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Glück J, Weststrate NM, Scherpf A. Looking Beyond Linear: A Closer Examination of the Relationship Between Wisdom and Wellbeing. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:3285-3313. [PMID: 36221296 PMCID: PMC9546793 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been some controversy about the relationship between wisdom and constructs of the well-being complex. Some wisdom researchers argue that the ability to maintain a high level of well-being, even in the face of very negative experiences, is a core characteristic of wisdom. Other researchers argue that the willingness of wise people to reflect on the darker sides of life might jeopardize well-being. Studies mostly found moderate positive correlations of well-being with self-report wisdom measures and negative, zero, or low positive correlations with open-ended measures of wisdom. This paper tests the hypothesis that the relationship between wisdom and well-being is triangular rather than linear, with highly wise people being high in well-being, but people high in well-being not necessarily being highly wise. A sample of 155 participants (age 23 to 90 years) completed four wisdom measures and three measures from the well-being complex. We analyzed both linear relationships (using correlations) and triangular relationships (using Necessary Condition Analysis). Correlations of well-being with open-ended measures of wisdom were mostly insignificant; correlations with self-report measures of wisdom were mostly significant. However, scatterplots showed the expected triangular relationships and Necessary Condition Analysis indicated medium to large effect sizes for both open-ended and self-report wisdom measures. In sum, our findings show that even if wise individuals think more deeply about difficult aspects of the human existence, they are still able to maintain high levels of well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Glück
- Department of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Nic M. Weststrate
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Andreas Scherpf
- Department of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Glück J, Weststrate NM. The Wisdom Researchers and the Elephant: An Integrative Model of Wise Behavior. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2022; 26:342-374. [PMID: 35652684 PMCID: PMC9548664 DOI: 10.1177/10888683221094650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This article proposes an integrative model of wise behavior in real life. While current research findings depend considerably on how wisdom is conceptualized and measured, there are strong conceptual commonalities across psychological wisdom models. The proposed model integrates the components of several existing models into a dynamic framework explaining wise behavior. The article first specifies which real-life situations require wisdom and discusses characteristics of wise behavior. The core proposition of the model is that in challenging real-life situations, noncognitive wisdom components (an exploratory orientation, concern for others, and emotion regulation) moderate the effect of cognitive components (knowledge, metacognitive capacities, and self-reflection) on wise behavior. The model can explain the situation specificity of wisdom and the commonalities and differences between personal and general wisdom. Empirically, it accounts for the considerable variation in correlations among wisdom measures and between wisdom measures and other variables. The model has implications for the design of wisdom-fostering interventions and new wisdom measures.
Collapse
|
7
|
Weststrate NM, Jayawickreme E, Wrzus C. Advancing a Three-Tier Personality Framework for Posttraumatic Growth. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/08902070211062327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adversity has been assumed to foster positive personality change under certain conditions. In this article, we examine this assumption within the context of the three-tier personality framework integrating traits, characteristic adaptations, and narrative identity to provide a comprehensive understanding of personality growth. We first review findings on how adverse events affect personality on each of these three levels. Second, we summarize knowledge on event-based and person-based predictors of personality change in the face of adversity. Third, we specify affective, behavioral, and cognitive processes that explain personality change across levels of personality. Innovatively, our proposed process model addresses change at all three levels of personality, as well as similarities and differences in processes across the levels. We conclude by discussing unresolved issues, asking critical questions, and posing challenging hypotheses for testing this framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nic M. Weststrate
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Eranda Jayawickreme
- Department of Psychology & Program for Leadership and Character, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Cornelia Wrzus
- Department of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Know thyself: mindfulness partially explains the relationship between personal wisdom and meaning making. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01853-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
9
|
Vásquez E, Lee EE, Zhang W, Tu X, Moore DJ, Marquine MJ, Jeste DV. HIV and three dimensions of Wisdom: Association with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being: For: Psychiatry Research. Psychiatry Res 2020; 294:113510. [PMID: 33096437 PMCID: PMC7942181 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Wisdom is a unique human personality trait with cognitive, affective or compassionate, and reflective dimensions. We evaluated relationships of three specific dimensions of wisdom with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being in people with HIV (PWH) and HIV-negative (HIV-) participants. Subjects included 138 adults (61 PWH, 77 HIV-) from the San Diego community. Validated measures were used to assess wisdom and well-being. Cognitive function was assessed via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We conducted multivariate linear regressions to evaluate the associations of wisdom dimensions with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being. Compared to the HIV- group, PWH had lower mean scores on cognitive function, and physical and mental well-being, and cognitive and reflective dimensions of wisdom, but similar scores on affective or compassionate wisdom. Among PWH, higher total wisdom scores were associated with older age, lower likelihood of substance dependence, greater mental well-being, better cognitive function, higher resilience, social support, and optimism scores, as well as lower levels of perceived stress and nadir CD4 count. Our findings of an association of different dimensions of wisdom with physical and/or mental well-being in PWH would point to a possibility that enhancing these dimensions of wisdom might improve health outcomes in PWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Vásquez
- School of Public Health, University at Albany State University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ellen E Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Weihui Zhang
- School of Public Health, University at Albany State University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xin Tu
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David J Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - María J Marquine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M. Aldwin
- Program in Human Development and Family Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Heidi Igarashi
- Program in Human Development and Family Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Michael R. Levenson
- Program in Human Development and Family Studies, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L. Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human beings are social entities - our development occurs in and through interaction with others. Thus, it seems likely that relationships influence the development of wisdom, especially long-term intimate relationships in which couples share many important life experiences, and that wisdom, in turn, influences relationships. How wisdom relates to characteristics of intimate relationships has received little attention in the research literature. As a first step in a research program addressing this question, this study analyzed associations between participants' levels of wisdom and their views of a good relationship. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A sample of 155 individuals aged 23-90 years participated in two sessions including semi-structured qualitative interviews and questionnaires. MEASUREMENTS The participants were interviewed about their views of a good intimate relationship. Wisdom was measured using a self-report scale and two open-ended performance measures. RESULTS Wisdom was significantly related to some of the content categories identified in participants' views about a good relationship, although some correlations differed between wisdom measures. Emphasizing the relevance of mutual respect and conscious attention in relationships was related to both performance measures of wisdom. Paying considerate attention to the relationship and viewing it as a chance for personal development were each related to one measure of wisdom. CONCLUSIONS The results support the notion that wisdom is related to how participants regulate long-term relationships. We consider them as a promising first step in a research program investigating the dynamic interrelation between wisdom and intimate relationships.
Collapse
|
13
|
Glück J, Bluck S, Weststrate NM. More on the MORE Life Experience Model: What We Have Learned (So Far). THE JOURNAL OF VALUE INQUIRY 2019; 53:349-370. [PMID: 31798190 PMCID: PMC6887551 DOI: 10.1007/s10790-018-9661-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We have all had difficult times and challenges in our lives, and most of us feel that we learned something from those experiences. At the same time, few people actually become wise in the course of their lives - while most of us become (or remain) well-adapted and happy, generally satisfied, or even bitter or depressed. Why is it that some people, but not others, grow wise over time by learning from life's challenges (Linley & Joseph, 2004)? In the MORE Life Experience Model (Glück & Bluck, 2013), we argued that life challenges are catalysts for the development of wisdom, and that psychological resources crucially influence how people appraise life challenges, how they deal with them, and how they integrate them into their life story as time goes on. Based on the literature on wisdom and growth from challenging experiences, we proposed five resources as important for the development of wisdom: Mastery, Openness, Reflectivity, and Emotion Regulation including Empathy - in short, MORE. Since proposing the model, we have conducted a first empirical test of its predictions. This paper describes our expected and unexpected findings, which provide insights that we integrate to further refine and elaborate the MORE Life Experience Model. First, we describe the theoretical and empirical background of the original model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Glück
- Department of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, 9020 Klagenfurt, Austria
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oxman TE. Reflections on Aging and Wisdom. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 26:1108-1118. [PMID: 30228055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The author experienced an unexpected finding over 30 years ago. Despite many losses, older primary care patients had less psychiatric symptomatology than younger patients. This has led to a long learning and teaching focus on the positive relationship between aging and wisdom. Some recent research challenges this relationship. To deal with this challenge the author reflects on two related but complex questions with which he has been struggling. Is there an adaptive value of aging? If wisdom is more likely with aging, why? He concludes that aging is culturally adaptive and that wisdom is aging's individual and societal adaptive strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Oxman
- Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Community & Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Glück J. New Developments in Psychological Wisdom Research: A Growing Field of Increasing Importance. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2018; 73:1335-1338. [PMID: 30247618 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Glück
- Department of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Austria
| |
Collapse
|