Age-related neoformations - essence, periodization, application

Age-related neoformations (or age-related structures) are a conceptual research approach used in psychology, pedagogy, sociology and other sciences to study changes in society depending on age, which determine a person's consciousness, their attitude toward the environment, their inner and outer life, and the entire course of development during a given period.

. They describe how different age groups in society can influence social and economic processes. Age-related neoformations have the following characteristics:

1. Age categories: Society is divided into various age categories, such as children, adolescents, youth, adults and the elderly. Each of these categories has its own characteristic features and social functions.

2. Changes over time: Age-related neoformations take into account changes occurring in society over time, including demographic changes and changes in social norms and values.

3. Influence on social processes: They make it possible to analyze how different age groups influence such social processes as education, employment, consumption, politics and other aspects of public life.

4. Transition criteria: An important part of age-related neoformations is the definition of the criteria for the transition between different age categories. For example, when a child becomes an adolescent, and an adolescent becomes an adult.

5. Contextuality: Age-related neoformations take into account the cultural and social characteristics of each country or region. Different cultures may have different age structures.

6. Dynamism: Society is constantly changing, and, consequently, age-related neoformations must also be dynamic and take into account changes in society.

The periodization of age-related neoformations may vary depending on the researchers and the context. In general, age structures can be divided into such categories as children, adolescents, youth, adults and the elderly, with a more detailed breakdown within each category.

Psychological neoformations in the context of crises

Psychological neoformations, or crises, are important periods of personality development, during which significant changes occur in a person's psychological and emotional state. These neoformations can influence a person's worldview, values and behavior. Below are the central psychological neoformations in various age categories:

1. The crisis of the newborn: a crisis associated with the transition from prenatal to postnatal development.

2. Children (0-12 years):

   • The crisis of autonomy (1-3 years): The development of a sense of self-reliance and independence.
   • The crisis of initiative (3-6 years), «I myself»: The formation of initiative and activity in actions.
   • The crisis of socialization (6-12 years): The development of the ability to learn and actively participate in society.

3. Adolescents (13-19 years):

   • The identity crisis (12-18 years): The search for and formation of personal identity, answering the questions "Who am I?" and "What do I want in life?"
   • The crisis of personal development (18-25 years): The transition to adult life, choosing a career and becoming independent from parents.
   • The crisis of «breaking away from one's parental roots» (20 — 22 years)

4. Youth (20-35 years):

   • The crisis of self-determination (25-35 years): Finding one's place in life, determining life goals and priorities.
   • the crisis of the first taking-stock (awareness of adulthood, understanding of the rules: "do this and you will get that", there are 2 wants, "studies matter more", "what matters most is your own ability and your father's teaching");
   • The crisis of becoming a parent (if there are children): Adapting to the parental role and balancing family and professional life.

5. Adults (36-60 years):

   • The midlife crisis (40-60 years): Assessing achievements, reevaluating life values and making decisions about the future.
   • The retirement-age crisis (after 60 years): Confronting changes in physical condition and reconsidering one's role in society.

6. The elderly (60+ years):

   • The crisis of old age (after 70 years): Coping with the loss of loved ones, physical limitations and evaluating one's life.
   • The crisis of life's completion (end of life): Working on concluding personal affairs and preparing for death.

These psychological neoformations describe the main challenges and tasks faced by people in different age categories. However, every person is unique, and the passage through these crises may differ. Moreover, modern psychological research pays attention to changes in personality development throughout the whole of life, and not only at certain stages.

Application of knowledge about age-related crises

The application of age-related neoformations includes:

1. Sociological research: Used to analyze social processes and their impact on different age groups.

2. Politics and public administration: Help determine the needs of different age groups and develop policies and social support programs.

3. Education: Used to adapt educational systems to the needs of different age categories.

4. Marketing and advertising: Allow companies to tailor their products and advertising campaigns to the interests and needs of different age groups.

5. Healthcare: Help determine the needs for medical care and health care for different age categories.

On the whole, age-related neoformations are an important tool for understanding sociocultural and economic processes in society and for developing suitable strategies for the development and support of different age groups.