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L Tornstam

Publications and source records attributed to L Tornstam.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

The quo vadis of gerontology: on the scientific paradigm of gerontology.

A critical examination of fundamental assumptions of gerontological research reveals problematic sources of concept and theory development. For example, the misery and resource perspectives on aging and the aged are viewed as "overflow" from ideals of Western society. When empirical findings conflict with researchers' theories, the latter must be reexamined and revised. We should look to the aged themselves for new hypotheses, and focus on such concepts as creativity, wisdom, and play.

Aging↗
PubMed1990

Dimensions of loneliness.

Experiences of loneliness have been studied in 2795 Swedish inhabitants aged 15-80. Three different kinds of feelings of loneliness have been identified: intensity/quantity of loneliness, inner loneliness and positive loneliness. Contrary to common belief, the analysis shows that the intensity/quantity of loneliness is higher among young subjects whereas the degree of inner loneliness is slightly higher among older subjects. Both developmental experiences during childhood/adolescence and social conditions at present are correlated with the experience of loneliness in old people.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Gero-transcendence: a reformulation of the disengagement theory.

This article offers a meta-theoretical reformulation of the disengagement theory. It is argued that what social gerontologists describe in negative terms and label "disengagement" is in reality often a positive development towards gero-transcendence. This latter can be described as a shift in meta-perspective from a materialistic and rational view to a more cosmic and transcendent one, normally followed by an increase in life satisfaction. To understand the nature of gero-transcendence gerontologists have to make a meta-theoretical shift from a traditional positivist view to a view where disengagement is phenomenologically comprehended. As the article includes some criticism of interactionist-based social gerontology, it should be mentioned that the author himself has been and is working within this theoretical tradition. The article is as much self-criticism as anything else.

Aged↗