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Hard-earned wisdom: Exploratory processing of difficult life experience is positively associated with wisdom
Nic M Weststrate1, Judith Glück2
1Department of Applied Psychology & Human Development, University of Toronto.
Developmental Psychology
|March 24, 2017
Summary
Wisdom grows with life experience, but self-reflection is key. Wiser individuals engage in exploratory processing for personal growth, not just positive reframing, to navigate difficult life events.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adult Development
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Wisdom is commonly believed to develop through diverse life experiences.
- However, not all individuals with extensive experience achieve wisdom.
- Self-reflection is proposed as a critical factor in wisdom development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-reflection and wisdom in adults.
- To examine how different functions of reminiscence and modes of autobiographical reasoning relate to wisdom.
- To understand the role of processing difficult life events in wisdom acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A lifespan sample of 94 adults (ages 26-92) participated.
- Wisdom was assessed using self-report, performance, and nomination methods.
- Reminiscence functions (reasons for reflection) and autobiographical reasoning (how people reflect) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Wisdom was not correlated with the frequency of self-reflection.
- Wiser individuals showed distinct patterns in their reasons for reminiscence and autobiographical reasoning.
- Exploratory processing (meaning-making, personal growth) was positively linked to wisdom.
- Redemptive processing (positive reframing, resolution) was associated with adjustment.
Conclusions:
- The way individuals self-reflectively process significant life experiences influences developmental pathways.
- Exploratory processing appears crucial for wisdom development following adversity.
- Self-reflection's quality, not just quantity, is important for cultivating wisdom.
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