Which of the following is true of socioemotional selectivity theory?

• A. It suggests that older adults become less selective in their social interactions.
• B. As people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and relationships.
• C. The theory argues that cognitive decline is the primary reason for changes in social behavior.
• D. Socioemotional selectivity theory states that social networks expand with age.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that socioemotional selectivity theory focuses on how people perceive time and prioritize goals as they age.
2. Recognize that according to the theory, as people grow older, they perceive their future time as limited, which influences their social goals.
3. Identify that this perception leads older adults to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and relationships over acquiring new information or expanding social networks.
4. Note that the theory does not claim cognitive decline is the main reason for changes in social behavior, nor does it suggest that social networks expand with age.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that older adults become more selective, focusing on emotionally meaningful interactions rather than becoming less selective.