Psychology of the Various Stages of Life and Adaptation (PAVeA)

PAVeA research concerns human deve­lopment study at all stages of life, research is organized around prevention and interven­tion at all stages of life (childhood, adolescence, adulthood, old age) and mainly focuses on the study of the relative weights of the major categories of influences through life course. Research is carried out in the various fields of psychology: cognitive psychology, social psychology, psycho­gerontology, psychopathology and clinical psycholo­gy.

Research topics:

• Study of factors linked to biological age during childhood (reasoning, judgment…) and of psychological and biological rhythms in young children and school age children.
• Study of the so-called ‘historical’ factors which have the most influence on the adulthood behaviour (transgressive behaviour, discrimination, stereotypes, social networks…).
• Study of non-normative factors those having the most weight in the old age: aging well factors (spirituality, diet, animal mediation, forest bathes, physical activity…).
• Study of intergenerational bond as a resource for aging well.

Skills and know-how:

• The adaptation of a person is considered according to an ecological approach: as a balance between strengths and weaknesses of the individual (intrinsic factors) and the risks and opportunities encountered in his different living environments. Trajectories leading to maladjustment and vulnerability (temporary or more permanent) are studied, as well as more suitable trajectories (typical population).
• A significant part of the research come with an applicative purpose that particularly focuses on risk prevention in order to avoid a maladjustment of the individual (whatever his age) that could lead to a vulnerability situation.
• Resources that promote aging well are particularly studied including the intergenerational bonds as a social support, promoting intergenerational family cohesion.
• Part of the research is carried out in different life environ­ments with the most ecological approach possible: schools, EHPAD, intergenerational spaces (MARPA schools), pri­sons…
• Development of tools, for example, to evaluate the beha­viour of children (hostility, aggression) or adults (cognitive distortions, cognitions linked to video games), but also for intergenerational evaluation (ideal grandparent), or in supporting elderly and the professionals intervening with seniors.