Looking back, forging ahead: Fifteen years of Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI)

Susan T Charles; Jennifer R Piazza

doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101751

Looking back, forging ahead: Fifteen years of Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI)

Curr Opin Psychol. 2024 Feb:55:101751. doi: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101751. Epub 2023 Nov 14.

Authors

Susan T Charles¹, Jennifer R Piazza²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, United States. Electronic address: scharles@uci.edu.
² Department of Public Health, California State University, Fullerton, United States.

PMID: 38070208
DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101751

Abstract

Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) describes age-related patterns of emotional well-being. Since its initial publication, studies have tested the model, supporting its original tenets and also identifying areas needing refinement. The current review provides an updated description of SAVI, describing how age differences in well-being vary based on the proximity to acute stressors and the proposed underlying mechanisms. SAVI also addresses questions regarding why we sometimes observe increases in distress among older adults over time. In this description, we clarify predictions of SAVI, as well as suggest places where more research is needed.

Keywords: Emotion regulation; Emotional well-being; Lifespan development; Strengths; Vulnerabilities.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aged
Aging
Emotions*
Humans
Psychological Well-Being*