Lifespan Developmental Perspectives on Working: A Literature Review of Motivational Theories

Abstract

Lifespan perspectives have emerged as important theoretical foundations for empirical investigations of a wide-range of phenomena relevant to the study of aging and work. The present manuscript presents a review and qualitative synthesis of this literature that satisfies several goals. To begin understanding this perspective, lifespan thinking in introduced as a general mode for understanding and conceptualizing dynamics in human development. Then, specific tenets and predications of 4 lifespan theories are summarized. Such summaries precede individually framed qualitative reviews of contemporary empirical investigations that either measure key lifespan constructs and relate them to work relevant outcomes, or adopt specific lifespan theoretical perspectives to support hypothesis development. This discussion supports a critique of lifespan thinking, and a recognition of several “gaps” in our understanding of lifespan development theories applied to this research domain. Following from this, several directions for future research are offered, including calls to develop an expanded understanding of lifespan processes in work contexts through the improvement of measurement tools and through the application of enhanced research methodologies. Finally, mirroring recent theoretical advancements, several possible points of integration among lifespan theories are offered on the basis of related predictions. This synthesis should serve as the basis for an enhanced lifespan theory of aging and work.