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date: 25 May 2020

Abstract and Keywords

This chapter examines early conceptual formulations of adult development in the U.S. and contrasts them with notably different conceptions of aging in Japan. Empirical research in both cultural contexts points to evidence of psychological change in personality traits, well-being, affect with aging in the U.S., whereas Japanese studies have linked the well-being of older persons to life roles and activities as well as examined the concept of ikigai (what makes life worthy). Gender differences are an emerging part of the story, especially in Japan. The authors delineate multiple avenues for future research to broaden the scope of scientific inquiries on adult development and aging in Japan as well as promote greater exchange between cultural psychologists and adult developmentalists. More work is also called for to link adult developmental changes to health and to examine historical changes in experiences of aging.

Keywords: adult development, successful aging, roleless role, filial piety, ikigai, personality, well-being, affect, health, history

Carol D. Ryff

Carol Ryff, Department of Psychology and Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin—Madison

Jennifer Morozink Boylan

Jennifer Morozink Boylan, Center for Women's Health Research, University of Wisconsin—Madison

Christopher L. Coe

Christopher L. Coe, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI

Mayumi Karasawa

Mayumi Karasawa, Department of Comparative Psychology, Tokyo Women’s Christian University, Japan

Norito Kawakami

Norito Kawakami, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan

Shinobu Kitayama

Shinobu Kitayama, The Culture and Cognition Program, University of Michigan

Chiemi Kan

Chiemi Kan, Department of Mental Health, University of Tokyo

Gayle D. Love

Gayle D. Love, Institute on Aging, University of Wisconsin—Madison

Cynthia S. Levine

Cynthia Levine, Department of Psychology, Stanford University

Hazel R. Markus

Hazel R. Markus, Department of Psychology, Stanford University

Yuri Miyamoto

Yuri Miyamoto, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jun Nakahara

Jun Nakahara, Department of Psychology, Tokyo Women's Christian University

Jiyoung Park

Jiyoung Park, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan

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