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Does Our Age Affect the Way we Live? A Study on Savoring Strategies Across the Life Span

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Marques-Pinto

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Sofia Oliveira

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Andrea Santos

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Cláudia Camacho

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Débora Pires Silva

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

  • Mónica Sofia Pereira

    (Universidade de Lisboa)

Abstract

This study set out to explore the savoring strategies used by adolescents, adults and the elderly with a view to contributing to theory on age and savoring. A sample of 1018 Portuguese participants (n = 114 adolescents in the 3rd cycle of basic education; n = 474 adolescents in secondary education; n = 311 adults; and n = 119 older adults), answered the Positive Experiences Questionnaire, a self-report questionnaire with open-ended questions on savoring strategies used to prolong or intensify the positive emotions associated with positive events, in addition to their respective efficacy. The data content analysis showed that participants use complex strategy patterns to up-regulate their positive emotional experiences, comprising cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, volitional and sensory strategies. Age differences in savoring were identified, with the adolescents mostly referring to interpersonal strategies, namely taking care of relationships, and the adult and elderly participants predominantly recalling cognitive strategies, more specifically sharing with others and having thoughts of faith or thankfulness, respectively. The majority of participants considered the savoring strategies used to be efficacious and no significant associations were found between the lifespan groups in this regard. These findings may further the understanding of documented differences in subjective well-being across the life-span and inform intervention efforts in this domain. The article closes by suggesting directions for future studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Marques-Pinto & Sofia Oliveira & Andrea Santos & Cláudia Camacho & Débora Pires Silva & Mónica Sofia Pereira, 2020. "Does Our Age Affect the Way we Live? A Study on Savoring Strategies Across the Life Span," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1509-1528, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:21:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-019-00136-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-019-00136-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Hurley & Paul Kwon, 2012. "Results of a Study to Increase Savoring the Moment: Differential Impact on Positive and Negative Outcomes," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(4), pages 579-588, August.
    2. Susan Turk Charles & Gloria Luong & David M. Almeida & Carol Ryff & Maggie Sturm & Gayle Love, 2010. "Fewer Ups and Downs: Daily Stressors Mediate Age Differences in Negative Affect," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 65(3), pages 279-286.
    3. Fred Bryant & Colette Smart & Scott King, 2005. "Using the Past to Enhance the Present: Boosting Happiness Through Positive Reminiscence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 6(3), pages 227-260, September.
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