The Theater of Life

The Theater of Life

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

One of the things we know in the study of gerontology….in the study of the lifespan - is that people both change and remain the same as they age. We are not the same people as we were in 3rd grade, (we look different and for the most part act differently) however, there are certain personality constructs (introversion, extraversion and neuroticism) that do appear to remain constant across the lifespan.

It is interesting to study behavior. The field of Psychology is fascinating. The field of Psychology is where one will find both scientific researchers and therapeutic practitioners.  On the scientific side, my colleagues will tell you that: “behavior can be measured and predicted”. On the therapeutic practice side, my colleagues will tell you: “the only one thing predictable about human behavior is that it is unpredictable”. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. Although these are different perspectives, (psychology defined as a science vs. psychology defined as an art practice) both perspectives have one thing in common - they are trying to interpret, and make sense, of the behavior of individuals and groups. The individual behavior consists of the manifestations of one person… the group behavior….that’s a whole different level….and much more complex to interpret. Think about the constellations of behaviors we find in groups, in family systems, in personal relationships, in community, in politics and in the workplace….in fact, the list could go on forever, i.e, wherever you find people interacting - you will find theatre, i.e., people “acting out” all sorts of behaviors.

As a field of study, Psychology, we are tasked with interpreting group behavior….quite a task. And what do we typically find? “We typically find people providing theatre….“acting-out behavior” patterns they have witnessed across their own life…. in fact, interactions they are familiar and comfortable with.” Sometimes the mimicking of these behaviors can be successful and productive. “However, there are other times people act out very unresolved issues of: control, inadequacy, and inferiority in adulthood - that can be directly traced to a root or cause found in early childhood. Yes, we do change and remain the same across the lifespan”.

The Theatre of Life is interesting. Why? Because in groups….in flocks….everyone is performing.