Which of the following is an example of selective optimization with compensation in developmental psychology?

• A. An older adult who can no longer run marathons chooses to focus on walking daily and uses a cane to maintain balance.
• B. A child who learns to ride a bicycle without training wheels after several attempts.
• C. A young adult who avoids all physical activity due to fear of injury.
• D. A teenager who studies multiple subjects equally without prioritizing any particular area.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of selective optimization with compensation (SOC) in developmental psychology. SOC is a strategy used by individuals, especially older adults, to adapt to age-related changes by focusing on their strengths (selective optimization) and using aids or alternative methods to compensate for losses in other areas (compensation).
2. Step 2: Identify the key components of SOC in the given options: selective focus on certain activities, optimization of abilities in those areas, and compensation for declines or limitations.
3. Step 3: Analyze the example of the older adult who can no longer run marathons but chooses to focus on walking daily (selective optimization) and uses a cane to maintain balance (compensation). This matches the SOC model.
4. Step 4: Compare the other options to SOC: a child learning to ride a bike is about skill acquisition, a young adult avoiding activity due to fear is avoidance, and a teenager studying multiple subjects equally shows no selective focus or compensation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the example of the older adult demonstrates selective optimization with compensation because it shows adapting to limitations by focusing on manageable activities and using tools to maintain function.