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The Development of Wisdom: A Social Ecological Approach

Author

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  • Heidi Igarashi
  • Michael R Levenson
  • Carolyn M Aldwin

Abstract

Objectives This study examined the development of wisdom within the context of difficult life events (DLEs), and the importance of individuals and their social environments in this process of growth. Social support has long been studied in adulthood, yet less is known about the ways social transactions can promote wisdom. Methods emi-structured interviews were conducted with men (n = 14) and women (n = 36), ages 56–91 years (M = 71.71; SD = 8.8) who described a DLE and how they coped with it. The analysis was guided by constructivist grounded theory. Results DLEs included those from childhood through later life. When personal meaning was disrupted by adversity, the social environment played a key role in facilitating new perspectives that corresponded with aspects of wisdom: self-knowledge, compassion, comfort with uncertainty, and accepting complexity. Discussion Wisdom is often studied as an individual characteristic, but this study highlighted the relevance of a social ecological perspective to understanding how wisdom development is also facilitated through social transactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Igarashi & Michael R Levenson & Carolyn M Aldwin, 2018. "The Development of Wisdom: A Social Ecological Approach," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 73(8), pages 1350-1358.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:73:y:2018:i:8:p:1350-1358.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gby002
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    Cited by:

    1. Judith Glück & Nic M. Weststrate & Andreas Scherpf, 2022. "Looking Beyond Linear: A Closer Examination of the Relationship Between Wisdom and Wellbeing," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 3285-3313, October.

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