The socioemotional selectivity theory suggests that throughout adulthood people form certain relationships in order to benefit themselves and avoid negative situations. People look for different relationships in hopes of gaining something from their interactions with others. There are two types of functions served by interpersonal relationships informational and emotional. Relationships that serve and informational function provide one with knowledge they did not have before. Relationships with an emotional function provide a sense of well being and offer help when feeling distressed. As one ages they tend to have fewer close relationships and rely more on emotional relationships as opposed to informational ones. I believe that as an individual begins to age the relationships they form are different from the ones they had in their youth, older adults have fewer close relationships as they age. When older adults establish themselves in life there is less need for an informational relationship, they provide a comfortable life for…show more content… Rather than socializing and creating new relationships they prefer the company of close family members. Whenever they have an issue, wish to talk or need help with something they only speak to family. According to the socioemotional selectivity theory as people grow older they become sensitive to the ending of their life which brings out strong emotions. This causes the elderly to want to spend time with people closest to them and whom they are familiar with because their time is “running out”. Rather than meeting new people they prefer to maximize emotional relationships and minimize informational functions of relationships. My grandparents are experiencing this now, as other relatives the same age as them pass away and their health begins to decline they wish to spend more time with people they are familiar with and who will promote positive
