Final answer:
Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory explain how social priorities shift to emphasize emotionally meaningful relationships over numerous social connections as individuals age, contributing positively to well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory is a theory that focuses on how individuals prioritize and select social relationships as they age. Rather than experiencing a cognitive decline or focusing on emotional regulation or identity formation, socio-emotional selectivity theory posits that the number of social support systems and friendships an individual has may dwindle over time, but the relationships retained tend to be close and meaningful. This emphasis on quality over quantity of social bonds is thought to contribute to overall well-being in older age.
This theory, developed by Laura L. Carstensen in 1992, suggests that these changes in social priorities can be seen as a positive aspect of aging, where deeper connections are fostered with fewer individuals rather than maintaining a larger network of shallower relationships. Differentiating it from other theories, it does not suggest withdrawal from society but rather indicates a strategic investment in emotionally fulfilling relationships.