According to socioemotional selectivity theory in developmental psychology, how does older adults' perception of limited future time typically affect their appreciation for life?

• A. It decreases their appreciation for life, making them less interested in meaningful experiences.
• B. It has no effect on their appreciation for life or emotional goals.
• C. It increases their appreciation for life, leading them to focus more on emotionally meaningful experiences.
• D. It causes them to focus exclusively on acquiring new knowledge rather than emotional satisfaction.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the core idea of socioemotional selectivity theory, which suggests that as people perceive their future time as limited, their motivational priorities shift.
2. Recognize that older adults, perceiving limited future time, tend to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and experiences over acquiring new knowledge or less meaningful activities.
3. Note that this shift leads to an increased appreciation for life, as they focus more on deepening emotional connections and savoring meaningful moments.
4. Contrast this with younger individuals who perceive expansive future time and thus may prioritize knowledge acquisition and exploration over emotional depth.
5. Conclude that according to the theory, older adults' perception of limited future time typically increases their appreciation for life by focusing on emotionally meaningful experiences.