Chapter 13: Adulthood: The Social World

Question 1

Intimacy vs isolation

Answer 1

The sixth of Erikson’s stages of development. Every adult seeks close relationships with other people in order to live a happy and healthy life.

Question 2

Generativity versus Stagnation

Answer 2

The seventh of Erikson’s eight stages of development. Adults seek
to be productive in a caring way, often as parents. Generativity also occurs through art, caregiving, and
employment.

Question 3

Integrity versus Despair

Answer 3

When Erikson himself reached his 70s, he decided that integrity, with the goal of combating prejudice and helping all humanity, was too important to be left to the elderly. He also thought that each person’s entire life connects his or her personal journey with human society. The ultimate integrity occurs when the specifics of a person’s life, within a particular
history and culture, is in harmony with the universal human destiny.

Question 4

Big five personality traits

Answer 4

The five basic clusters of personality
traits that remain quite stable
throughout adulthood: 
OCEAN
openness:
conscientiousness, extroversion,
agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Question 5

Openness personality trait (big five)

Answer 5

imaginative, curious, artistic, creative, open to new experiences

Question 6

Conscientiousness personality trait (big five)

Answer 6

organized, deliberate, conforming, self-disciplined

Question 7

Extroversion personality trait (big five)

Answer 7

outgoing, assertive, active

Question 8

Agreeableness personality trait (big five)

Answer 8

kind, helpful, easygoing, generous

Question 9

Neuroticism personality trait (big five)

Answer 9

anxious, moody, self-punishing, critical

Question 10

Empty nest

Answer 10

The time in the lives of parents when their children have left the family home to pursue their own lives.

Question 11

Social Convoy

Answer 11

Collectively, the family members, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who move through the years of life with a person, all aging together.

Question 12

Consequential stranger

Answer 12

People who are not in a person’s closest friendship circle but nonetheless have an impact.
ie) a barber, friends family member

Question 13

fictive kin

Answer 13

People who become accepted as part of a family who have no genetic or legal relationship to that family.

Question 14

Kinkeeper

Answer 14

Someone who becomes the gatherer and communication hub for their family.
ie) someone who spreads the word about illness’ and accomplishments

Question 15

Sandwich generation

Answer 15

The generation of middle-aged people
who are supposedly “squeezed” by
the needs of the younger and older
members of their families.