Chapter 7 Integrating Lifespan Development Theories Implications for the Study of Age(ing) and Work

• Main Author: Rauvola, Rachel S. (auth)
• Other Authors: Rudolph, Cort W. (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 2022
• Subjects: Organizational theory & behaviour; Psychology; Occupational & industrial psychology; organizational research; SIOP; SIOP Organizational Frontiers; SIOP Organizational Frontiers Series; organizational frontiers; organizations; Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology; I/O psychology; organizational psychology; big data; data analysis; research methods; organizational sciences; data; data collection; data analysis, deevelopmental self-regulation, lifespan development, motivation, goals, well-being, successful aging
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

"Research on age(ing) and work often draws upon lifespan development perspectives to explain how adults "age successfully," managing developmental gains and losses and maintaining well-being and functioning over time. There are a multitude of similar theories to consider to this end, which is both a blessing and a curse for researchers. In this chapter, we introduce a conceptual integration of predominant lifespan theories used in work and aging research, organized in terms of overlapping mechanisms, predictions, and guiding principles. Then, we present the specific aspects and core characteristics of commonly used lifespan development theories, particularly those related to our integration. We conclude with recommendations for applying our integration to new research areas and approaches in the work context, highlighting the ways in which more synthesis and codification can mutually improve the study of age(ing) and work. "