Study: Emotional experiences & positivity increase with age
1
2
Prayagraj: One must have observed that a youngster often gets angry or irritated and may not be as composed compared to someone in their mid-40s or 50s. The latter would be more positive when it comes to emotions and feel satisfied with whatever life has given them.
A recent study conducted by researchers Richa Nigam and Prof Bhoomika Rastogi Kar of the Centre of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences (CBCS) of Allahabad University has offered fresh insights into how emotional experiences and regulation evolve with age. Published in Science Direct (Elsevier), the study tested the positivity effect related to emotional ageing in the Indian context. According to this theory, there is a shift in emotional goals with age despite the normal age-related decline in physical and cognitive health.
This comprehensive study assessed emotional patterns in everyday life among young, middle-aged, and older adults using a multi-method approach. Participants were tracked through daily phone surveys over three weeks, rating their affective experiences at different times of the day. This was followed by detailed self-report measures on preference for emotional valence and a lab-based reaction-time task designed to measure emotional processing.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng với sàn môi giới tin cậy
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
One of the key findings was that, regardless of age, participants preferred positive emotions over negative ones. However, middle-aged and older adults reported significantly more positive emotional experiences than younger adults. According to the researchers, this may be because older individuals tend to focus more on meaningful, emotionally satisfying experiences, possibly due to a natural shift in affective priorities with age.
Interestingly, while studies in Western cultures often find that people experience mixed emotions (like feeling happy and sad simultaneously), this phenomenon was relatively rare among Indian participants. Moreover, choosing to feel negative emotions deliberately was uncommon across all age groups in the Indian context. The study also found that with age, we develop increasingly distinct representations of positive and negative emotions.
Older adults showed stronger associations with emotions like joy, interest, and contentment, and lower intensity or frequency of emotions like anger and tiredness. This indicates a cognitive and emotional maturity where emotions are not only better managed but also more distinctly categorised.
For younger adults, however, emotions were more intertwined. Their daily emotional experiences were more influenced by negative feelings, with less clarity in distinguishing positive and negative emotions.
"This study highlights how emotional preferences evolve with age in the Indian context," said Head CBCS, Prof Kar, who is the corresponding author of this paper. "Older adults demonstrate a shift toward positivity, emphasising emotional well-being and these effects are observed starting from mid-life. ," she added. Our current work at the neuroimaging facility at the Centre looks at the neural correlates of this interaction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
IIT Delhi launches new-age courses in design, semiconductors and more: Who can apply, how much do they cost?
IIT Delhi has introduced a string of off-beat courses in a strategic shift aimed at aligning with emerging global skill demands—just as the institute jumped from 150th to 123rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The new offerings include a BTech in Design, a BS in Chemistry, a certificate programme in Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing, and both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at its newly operational Abu Dhabi campus. While IIT Delhi positions these courses as part of a long-term academic vision to future-proof Indian talent, the move also reflects mounting pressure on top Indian institutes to break out of rigid STEM silos. As India eyes semiconductor self-reliance and global research collaborations, these curriculum additions could help plug critical gaps. Here is a look at the new courses, their eligibility and more. Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Design This 4-year undergraduate degree is offered by the newly established Department of Design. It blends engineering with creativity, providing training in industrial design, communication systems, and interaction design. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo Eligibility : Admission is based on the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED), not through the Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced). Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 75% aggregate marks from a recognised board. Course fee : Approximately INR 1,22,400 per semester, as per IIT Delhi's standard BTech fee structure. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry Offered by the Department of Chemistry, this 4-year undergraduate programme emphasises both foundational and advanced areas in chemical sciences, targeting careers in research, pharmaceuticals, and allied sectors. Eligibility : Requires qualification through Joint Entrance Examination Advanced (JEE Advanced) 2025 and a minimum of 75% marks in Class 12. Course fee : Approximately INR 1,22,400 per semester, as per IIT Delhi's standard undergraduate fee structure. Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Programmes at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus IIT Delhi's international campus in Abu Dhabi has launched three new BTech programmes for 2025: Computer Science and Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. These 4-year undergraduate degrees target global and regional challenges in technology and sustainability. Eligibility : Admission is through JEE Advanced 2025 (one-third of seats) or the Combined Admission Entrance Test (CAET) 2025 (two-thirds of seats) for UAE nationals, international students, and Indian expatriates with five years of UAE education. Candidates must have 75% in at least two of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and 80% aggregate in Class 12. Course fee : As per IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi's fee structure, to be confirmed on the official website. Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Analytics This 2-month course provides practical and strategic insights into modern logistics, procurement, and supply chain systems. Eligibility : Suitable for graduates (10+2+3 pattern) and mid-level professionals from any discipline. Course fee : Approximately INR 50,000 + 18% GST. Certificate in Semiconductor Technology and Manufacturing Aligned with India's semiconductor development mission, this 6-month programme focuses on fabrication techniques, microelectronics, and Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) design. Eligibility : Open to engineers, science graduates, and early-career professionals in electronics and related fields. Course fee : INR 1,50,000 + 18% GST. Postgraduate Programmes at IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi Campus IIT Delhi has launched new postgraduate courses at its international campus in Abu Dhabi. These include MTech and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, with an academic focus on sustainable technology, data science, and energy systems. Duration : MTech – 2 years; PhD – variable duration. Eligibility : Requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree with a minimum of 60% marks and qualification through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) or an equivalent examination. Course fee : As per IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi's fee structure, to be confirmed on the official website. PhD Admission (Special Drive for SC/ST Candidates) This special admission drive for PhD programmes, offered across various departments, targets SC/ST candidates to promote inclusive research opportunities. Duration : Variable duration. Eligibility : Requires a Master's or Bachelor's degree with 60% marks (relaxed for SC/ST candidates) and valid scores in GATE, CEED, JEST, CSIR JRF, UGC NET, or an equivalent examination, followed by an interview. Course fee : As per IIT Delhi's fee structure, typically including tuition waivers for SC/ST candidates. Interdisciplinary and flexible curriculum reforms for 2025–26 To further modernise its academic structure, IIT Delhi has introduced a variety of interdisciplinary courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These courses come with a modular and flexible curriculum, allowing students to combine traditional subjects with emerging disciplines. Key interdisciplinary themes include: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Healthcare Technology Integration of Humanities and Social Sciences Skill-based minors tailored to student interests These reforms aim to give students more control over their academic trajectories and help them develop cross-functional expertise. Students can check the latest prospectus issued by IIT Delhi for 2025-26 here . Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
If World War 3 happens..., Thyrocare founder voices fear over US participation in Israel-Iran conflict
At a time when global tensions are escalating and whispers of World War 3 seem louder than ever, Thyrocare founder Dr A. Velumani has stepped forward with a sobering and deeply personal reflection. In a world driven by power plays and political one-upmanship, his words cut through the noise, calling out a universal truth: ego, not just weapons, could be the real cause of humanity's downfall. Taking to X, Dr Velumani shared his thoughts against the backdrop of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict . Drawing from decades of personal and professional experience, he remarked that over the last 50 years, he has watched careers, families, and businesses fall prey to the egos of elders—and now sees that same destructive force playing out between nations. Referring to recent geopolitical developments, he said the last 15 days have confirmed a harsh reality: ego continues to triumph over humanity. If a third world war were to break out, he warned, the aftermath would be unimaginably painful for all of humanity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buon Blech: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo His most chilling observation came with a stark reminder of the human cost of war—not in statistics, but in emotion: the idea of "someone else raising your children" is, in his words, the most painful reality for a so-called civilised society. He urged warring nations to drop their egos and choose peace before it's too late.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Crowned as ‘Raja Queens': Odisha's Raja Mahotsav celebrates in Pune, honours womanhood & menstrual health; army doctors & entrepreneurs felicitated
The Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust, in collaboration with the Odisha government, hosted a four-day Raja Mahotsav in Pune PUNE: The vibrant traditions of Odisha came alive in Pune as the Kalinga Kala Kendra Trust, in collaboration with the Department of Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Government of Odisha, hosted the four-day Raja Mahotsav at Balgandharva Rangmandir. The event celebrated womanhood, menstrual health, and Mother Earth's fertility through cultural performances, traditional rituals, and community participation. In a statement issued by the organisers, the event was conceptualised by Dr Mamata Mishra, classical dancer and founder-president of the Trust, and aimed to highlight menstruation as a sacred and powerful process. Highlights included Odissi and folk performances, symbolic rituals, Raja-themed recitations, and a grand crowning ceremony of women and girls as 'Raja Queens.' Traditional Odia delicacies such as Poda Pitha and Chhena Poda were served, and swings were decorated with idols of Jagannath, Subhadra, Lakshmi, and Krishna. A second swing honoured the feminine spirit, marking its cyclical connection with nature. Performances included 'Nritya Navaratna,' showcasing nine Indian classical dance forms, and group renditions of Odia cultural songs. A special poem on Operation Sindoor was presented, and two Indian Army doctors — Major Dr Meenakshi Pulgaonkar and Major Dr Anupama Sen — were felicitated for their service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo More than 50 women were honoured with Tulsi plants, symbolising menstrual wellness. Women entrepreneurs also participated through vibrant stalls, adding to the festival's inclusive atmosphere. Dignitaries from Odisha and Maharashtra attended the event, lending their support to this unique cultural initiative celebrating feminine strength and sustainability.
