The Many Faces of Dependency in Old Age / Edition 1

by Margret M. Baltes

Overview

Margret Baltes, a major researcher in gerontology, challenges the view that dependence is a negative and unnecessary consequence of aging. In this important volume, she presents her theory of learned dependency based on twenty years of research, which holds that dependency plays an important role in successful aging and is a resourceful adaptation to aging losses. This book attempts to correct the bias toward the virtues of independence over the vicissitudes of dependence, a predominantly North American view. It stresses that dependencies are not always dysfunctions, representing loss. Baltes also incorporates European, Japanese and feminist ideas about juxtaposing individuality and connectedness in the mature adult.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521498043
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	07/28/1996
Series:	Past and Present Publications Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.43(d)

About the Author

Baltes, Margaret M. (Free Univ of Berlin)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. What is dependency; 3. Behavioral dependency in old age; 4. Empirical research program on behavioral dependency: summary of theoretical and methodological framework; 5. Observational research in institutional settings; 6. Generalization of interaction patterns; 7. Expectations and attributions; 8. Behavioral dependency and successful aging; 9. Conclusions and implications.

Editorial Reviews

"...readers will find a powerful framework within which one could conceivably analyze and study virtually any behavior...Baltes leaves few questions unanswered...Baltes brings us to a clear understanding of dependency." Margaret Vaughan, American Scientist

"A major contribution to the field of social gerontology. Includes an important methodological framework to conduct future intervention work, guidelines for social policy issues, and theoretical and conceptual issues regarding the adaptivity of dependence and independence as we grow older." Fredda Blanchard Fields

"...Balte's book is filled with descriptions of a number of field studies." American

From the Publisher