Early & Middle Adulthood

Question 1

What is the timing of events theory?

Answer 1

• understanding of life events follow a normative pattern of sequence and timing
• social clock = on time (following social timetable), off time (out of phase with peers)

Question 2

What is the normative crisis theory?

Answer 2

• psychosocial development in terms of a definite sequence of optimal age-related changes

Question 3

What occurs in the adolescence normative crisis theory? (Erikson)

Answer 3

IDENTITY VERSUS ROLE CONFUSION (12-19)

Question 4

What occurs in the early adulthood normative crisis theory? (Erikson)

Answer 4

INTIMACY VERSUS ISOLATION (20-30s)

Question 5

What occurs in the middle adulthood normative crisis theory? (Erikson)

Answer 5

GENERATIVITY VERSUS STAGNATION (40-50s)

Question 6

What occurs in the late adulthood normative crisis theory? (Erikson)

Answer 6

EGO INTEGRITY VERSUS DESPAIR (60+)

Question 7

What are Vaillant’s adaptive/mature mechanisms?

Answer 7

sublimation, humour, altruism, suppression

Question 8

What are Vaillant’s maladaptive/immature mechanisms?

Answer 8

projection, passive aggression, dissociation, acting out, fantasy

Question 9

What is in Levinson’s normative crisis theories era of early adulthood? (17-45)

Answer 9

• dream of adult accomplishment (idealism)
• forming mentor relationships
• developing occupation
• establishing intimate relationships

Question 10

What is in Levinson’s normative crisis theories era of middle adulthood? (40-65)

Answer 10

• coming to terms with an unfulfilled dream

- dream of adult accomplishment revised (pragmatism)

Question 11

What is Arnett’s theory of emerging adulthood?

Answer 11

• period of exploration of love, work, identity and values - volitional years
• development of self-sufficient characteristics
• changing world views and feelings of both freedom/autonomy and insecurity/self-doubt

Question 12

What is consummate love in Sternberg’s theory of love?

Answer 12

high levels of passion, intimacy and decision/commitment (gold standard)

Question 13

What is companionate love in Sternberg’s theory of love?

Answer 13

high intimacy and commitment but not much passion

Question 14

What is romantic love in Sternberg’s theory of love?

Answer 14

high intimacy and passion, low commitment

Question 15

What is fatuous love in Sternberg’s theory of love?

Answer 15

high passion and commitment, low intimacy (lack maturity)

Question 16

What are the three marriage types?

Answer 16

• conventional traditional
• egalitarian
• junior-senior partnerships