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Human Growth and Development / Unit 16   HGD 2264 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Disengagement Theory

Captions available

The idea

Disengagement theory, from Cumming and Henry in nineteen sixty-one, holds that withdrawal from relationships is a normal, natural part of approaching death.

In practice

A retiree gradually giving up clubs and friendships, which the theory treats as expected.

Where people slip

The theory is controversial, since isolation seems unlikely to be healthy when the need for support is rising.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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