UMass Boston

Course Overview

Description

This course focuses on psychosocial processes throughout the second half of life, from middle age through the "young old" and "old old" years. It addresses both normal aging and psychopathology. Of special concern is the question of whether there are any systematic intrinsic psychological or personality changes associated with development in later life. The course also focuses on the processes used to cope with age-associated transitions ranging from the empty nest to impending death. It explores theoretical models for understanding coping and adaptation, developmental changes, and psychopathology. Other topics include clarification of the causes and nature of the most common psychopathologies, depression, and Alzheimer's disease; and the psychodynamics of institutionalization and family care of the very old.