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Psychological wisdom research: commonalities and differences in a growing field
Ursula M Staudinger1, Judith Glück
1Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University, 28759 Bremen, Germany. sekstaudinger@jacobs-university.de
Annual Review of Psychology
|September 9, 2010
Summary
Wisdom research in psychology has advanced significantly, exploring its definition, development, and application. This complex construct is studied through cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes for human betterment.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Wisdom is a complex psychological construct crucial for human optimization and cultural evolution.
- It integrates cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes.
- Empirical research on wisdom has grown substantially since the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established areas of psychological wisdom research.
- To highlight the empirical rigor with which wisdom can be studied.
- To underscore the importance of wisdom for the human condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychological wisdom research literature since the 1970s.
- Identification of key research domains within the field.
- Analysis of the conceptualization and measurement of wisdom.
Main Results:
- Five main areas of wisdom research have been established: lay definitions, conceptualization and measurement, development, plasticity, and application.
- The study of wisdom has demonstrated empirical rigor.
- Wisdom research contributes to understanding human optimization and cultural evolution.
Conclusions:
- Psychological wisdom research is a robust and evolving field.
- The investigation of wisdom offers insights into optimizing the human condition.
- Wisdom research highlights the interplay of cognitive, emotional, and motivational factors.
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