A representação social do desenvolvimento humano na velhice: a perspectiva de estudantes-adolescentes da escola pública.

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to analyze the social representation of human development in old age, constructed by adolescents-students of two public high schools in Campina Grande - PB. Collected data was produced by a questionnaire applied in a sample of 172 adolescents and after submitting a sub-sample of this group (44%) to the process of Multiple Classification Procedures (MCP). The analysis of data was done according to the descriptive statistics, multidimensional, non-parametric statistical procedures and the Category Content Analysis. The data reflect a polarization of the structure of representation of human development in old age. What are highly noticeable in positive polarization are (a) the cognitive gains, (b) emotional family support and (c) the acquired rights (through retirement); in the negative polarization there is (d) physical and psychosocial damage. The data also suggest a gradual change in social representation, since it starts to show a more positive perspective towards old age (Research funded by CNPq/PIBIC).