Abstract: Socioemotional selectivity theory(SST) was developed by Carstensen about 20 years ago and becomes more and more popular. With development of the theory, selectivity, emotion and perception of time was comparatively stressed in different stage, which actually are three central concepts of SST. However, some introduction of this theory in China is not so complete. The main ideas of SST and corresponding evidence were reviewed according to three concepts in this paper. Additionally, the implications and problems of SST were discussed.

Key words: socioemotional selectivity theory, selectivity, emotion, perception of time, social motivation