Dyadic Interrelations in Lifespan Development and Aging: How Does 1 + 1 Make a Couple? – Introduction

Abstract

Lifespan development and aging do not take place in a vacuum. It is increasingly recognized that others, who may be very familiar such as marital partners, often play a key role in shaping the developmental trajectories of their spouses. Further, this shaping seems at least partially dependent on the prolonged interactions that result in a high level of familiarity that is conducive to affecting the feelings, actions and reactions of the other member of the dyad. The studies comprising this special series on dyadic relationships tackle a number of specific mechanisms by targeting 2 domains of functioning that are central to successful aging, namely aspects of cognitive functioning and subjective well-being. The 4 papers adopt a range of methodologies, from an experimental session to short- and longer-term longitudinal observational studies. The authors of these articles offer novel insights into the theoretical underpinnings of spousal interrelations as well as how to approach such issues analytically. The closing discussion article draws out some of the underlying themes and highlights the important promises, but also the distinct challenges, of research on couples and dyads. Key avenues for future research are outlined, especially adapting principles of an epidemiological approach to understanding cognitive aging, broadly defined. These promise to extend our understanding of dyadic interrelations in lifespan development and aging.

A dyadic approach to health, cognition, and quality of life in aging adults.

“…By the same token, a smaller social network may also mean members have a more meaningful impact on aging adults' well being. As such, it is important to explore the impact of close partners on aging adults' QoL Marriage plays a central role in affecting the course of success ful aging (Hoppmann, Gerstorf, & Luszcz, 2011). Interdependence theory posits that married people's patterns of behavior-whether positive or negative-can affect their partners because of noninde pendent nature of their relationship (Cook & Kenny, 2005;Kelley & Thibault, 1978).…”

Changing everyday activities of couples in late life: Converging and keeping up

“…Kiecolt-Glaser & Newton, 2001;Walker & Luszcz, 2009). Dyadic studies have demonstrated the interdependence and the influence of mutual spousal interrelations in domains such as cognitive functioning, health and wellbeing (Hoppmann, Gerstorf, & Luszcz, 2011;Walker & Luszcz), by analyzing data from both spouses within the unit of the couple. Since late-life spouses engage in frequent interaction in their everyday life (Antonucci, Akiyama, & Takahashi, 2004;Lang, 2001), it is to be expected that they will influence each other in their everyday activities.…”

Tenacious Goal Pursuit, Flexible Goal Adjustment, and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Older Adult Couples

“…Individual development does not take place in isolation but is invariably embedded within a social context such as a spousal relationship . Marital partners play a key role in shaping individuals' developmental trajectories, and this is particularly true for older couples who have a long history of joint experiences (Hoppmann, Gerstorf, & Luszcz, 2011). Because of the shared family environment and mutual influence, a husband and wife often show interrelations in domains of emotional experience, cognitive functioning, attitude, and well-being (Desai, Schimmack, Jidkova, & Bracke, 2012;Druley, Stephens, Martire, Ennis, & Wojno, 2003;Gerstorf, Hoppmann, Anstey, & Luszcz, 2009).…”