• 한국노년학
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.211-227
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of emotional life across the life span and to examine the affective optimization theory emphasized positive aspect of aging. Three age groups(young group N=238. middle group N=495, old group N=283) were participated in this study. As a result, there were no age differences between the old and the middle group in the frequency of positive emotion experiences, but the old group experience more negative emotions than the middle group. However, generally they experienced positive emotions more often than negative emotions. Also, there were age differences in choosing social goals. The older group took the goals that related to emotional regulation and personal relationship more important than the goals related to learn something new or approve their ability. Interestingly, there were no age differences among three age groups in subjective well-being even though there existed differences in experiences of frequency of positive and negative emotions. Finally, the importance of role of the affective optimization in subjective well-being and adaptation in later life was discussed.