Exam 4

Question 1

What visual changes can one expect to encounter during middle adulthood?

Answer 1

• reduced color discrimination
• poor vision in dim light
• glaucoma risk

*during 50s, difficulty reading small print (due to thickening of the lens, combined with weakening of the muscle that enables the eye to accommodate to nearby objects
* at age 50, the accommodative ability of the lens is 1/6 of what it was at age 20
* Around age 60, the lens loses its capacity to adjust to objects at varying distances entirely, a condition called presbyopia (literally, “old eyes”).

• the ability to see in dim light also declines

Question 2

What is presbyopia? In middle adulthood

Answer 2

• also called “old eyes”
• a condition of aging in which, around age 60, the lens of the eye loses its capacity to adjust to objects at varying distances

Question 3

Glaucoma in Middle Adulthood

Answer 3

• A disease in which poor fluid drainage leads to a buildup of pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve
• A leading cause of blindness among older adults.

Question 4

Presbycusis in Middle Adulthood

Answer 4

Age-related hearing impairment, beginning around age 50 with a noticeable decline in sensitivity to high-frequency sounds, which gradually extends to all frequencies.

Question 5

Osteoporosis in Middle Adulthood

Answer 5

• Severe age-related bone loss, which greatly magnifies the risk of bone fractures
• occurs more in women

Question 6

Atherosclerosis in Middle Adulthood

Answer 6

• one of the most serious diseases of the cardiovascular system
• a disease in which heavy deposits of plaque containing cholesterol and fats, collect on the walls of the main arteries
• is linked to high fat diet and sex hormones

Question 7

What hearing changes take place in Middle Adulthood ? Are there cultural differences or is this largely biological?

Answer 7

• decline in hearing ability
• the first sign in hearing loss around age 50 is a noticeable decline in sensitivity to high frequency sounds
• Inner ear structures that transform mechanical sound waves into neural impulses deteriorate through natural cell death or reduced blood supply caused by atherosclerosis
• affects men more than women

There are cultural differences it’s not just biological . For example, African tribal people display little age related hearing loss.

Question 8

What happens to the skin? Why do skin changes occur sooner for woman than men? (during middle adulthood)

Answer 8

• the epidermis becomes less firmly attached to the dermis
• fibers in the dermis thin and lose their elasticity
• cells in both the epidermis and dermis decline in water content
• fat in the hypodermis diminishes

Leading the skin to wrinkle, loosen, and feel dry.

• age spots also occur

Because the dermis of women is not as thick as that of men and estrogen loss, accelerates thinning and decline in elasticity, women’s skin ages more quickly

Question 9

What happens with loss of bone strength? (during middle adulthood.)

Answer 9

• begins around the 40s but accelerated during 50s
• loss of bone strength causes the disks in the spinal column to collapse. Consequently, height may drop by as much as 1 inch by age 60, a change that will hasten thereafter
• weekend bones cannot support as much load. Therefore, they fracture more easily and heal more slowly.

Bone loss can be slowed by a healthy lifestyle, including weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium, vitamin D, intake, avoidance of smoking, and alcohol consumption

Question 10

What does the climacteric refer to? (during middle adulthood)

Answer 10

It is the midlife transition in which fertility declines
* in women, it brings an end to reproductive capacity
* in men by contrast, fertility diminishes, but is retained

Question 11

What does research say about sexuality during middle adulthood?

Answer 11

• frequency of sexual activity among heterosexual couples tends to decline in midlife, however it’s still had by the majority of married couples
• sex is more likely in the context of a happy intimate bond
• intensity of sexual response diminishes in midlife due to physical changes of the climacteric. Both men and women take longer to feel aroused and to reach orgasm.

Question 12

What are the leading causes of death during middle adulthood?

Answer 12

Cancer and cardiovascular disease (cancer is number one)

Question 13

What is the association between health problems and SES?

Answer 13

Lowest SEE and economic disadvantages are a strong predictor of poor health and premature death
* largely because of more severe poverty and lack of universal health insurance

Question 14

Distinguish between crystallized and fluid intelligence (middle adulthood)

Answer 14

Crystallized intelligence : intellectual skills that depend on accumulated knowledge and experience, good judgment, and mastery of social conventions — abilities acquired because they are valued by the individual’s culture
* increases steadily through middle adulthood

Fluid intelligence : intellectual skills that largely depend on basic information - processing skills - ability to detect relationships among visual, stimuli, speed of analyzing information, and capacity of working memory. It is influenced less by culture than by conditions in the brain.
* declines in the 20s

Question 15

When do divorces typically occur? What are the rates of remarriage?

Answer 15

• 41-45% of marriages end in divorce
• most divorces occur within seven years of marriage
• divorces are also common during the transition to midlife
• 60% of divorced adults remarry

Question 16

What factors are related to divorce?

Answer 16

• disrupted relationship (different problem-solving styles, different expectations of family, life, and future interests, activities, or friends)
• infidelity
• spending money foolishly
• drinking or using drugs
• expressing jealousy
• engaging in irritating habits/moodiness

Question 17

In the 20s, how do people generally feel about their sense of control over their lives?.

Answer 17

The 20s are accompanied by a rise in feelings of personal control over events in one’s life, in fact, a stronger sense of control than one may ever experience again

Question 18

What does emerging adulthood refer to?

Answer 18

Emerging adulthood refers to a distinct period of life between adolescence and adulthood that is defined by
* feeling in between
* identity exploration
* self focused
* instability
* possibilities

A new transitional period of development extending from the late 20s to the mid to late 20s, during which young people have left adolescence, but have not yet assumed adult responsibilities

Question 19

What do we know about feelings of loneliness during early adulthoood?

Answer 19

It is the result of the unsolved early adulthood developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation.

Question 20

What is a sense of personal agency?

Answer 20

An individual’s perception of their ability to make choices, take actions, and influence outcomes in their own life. It is the feeling that one has control over their actions and decisions.

Question 21

What is the psychological conflict of early adulthood

Answer 21

Intimacy versus isolation

Intimacy
* Making a permanent commitment to intimate partner
* Redefining identity

Isolation
* Loneliness, self absorption
* State of searching

Question 22

Be familiar with Levinson’s theory

Answer 22

Life stages are like seasons

Early adult transition
* Dream
* Women have “ split dreams”
Age 30 transition
* Men “ settle down”
* Women remain unsettled

Question 23

Comparing contrast Levinson’s and Vaillant’s theories?

Answer 23

Valiant believed that only few adults experienced mid life crisis while Levinson believed that more adults experience, midlife crisis.

Question 24

What is the social clock?

Answer 24

Age graded expectations for major life, events, such as beginning, a first job, getting married, birth of the first child, buying a home, and retiring

Usually occurs later on now, especially amongst economically better off young people

Something like the social clog can create intergenerational tensions, especially if parents expect their young adult children to attain adult milestones on an outdated schedule

Question 25

What do we know about mate selection during early adulthood? Are there gender differences in what males and females look for in a mate?

Answer 25

* people usually select partners who resemble themselves in other ways like attitudes, personality, educational plans, intelligence, mental health, physical, attractiveness, and even height * in mates, women usually plays greater emphasis on financial status, intelligence, ambition, and moral character (women prefer partners who are the same age or slightly older) * whereas men usually place greater emphasis on physical attractiveness and domestic skills (men also prefer younger partner)

Question 26

What is Sternberg’s triangular theory of love?

Answer 26

Sternberg‘s view of love as including three components : passion, intimacy, and commitment - that shift and emphasis as romantic relationships develop

Question 27

What is the association between early attachment and romantic relationship relationships?

Answer 27

* childhood attachment patterns predict romantic relationship relationships in adulthood Secure attachment * adults who describe their attachment history as secure, had internal working models that reflected the security. They viewed themselves as likable, we’re comfortable with intimacy and rarely worried about abandonment. Avoidant attachment * adults who reported an avoidant attachment history(demanding/disrespectful/critical parents) displayed internal working models that stressed independence, mistress of love, partners, and anxiety about people getting too close. We’re convinced that others dislike them and that romantic love is hard to find and rarely lasts. Resistant attachment * adults, recalling a resistant attachment history (parents who responded unpredictably and unfairly) presented internal working models in which they sought to merge completely with another person. They worried that their desires for intense intimacy would overwhelm others. You

Question 28

What is an important feature of good communication in a romantic relationship

Answer 28

* high marital satisfaction * Commitment

Question 29

Discuss qualities of friendship( both same and other sex) during early adulthood

Answer 29

Same sex friendships * Gender differences: women’s more intimate * Individual differences: longer friendships, more intimate Other sex friendships * Fewer than same-sex friendships * Educated, employed women have largest number * Benefits to both genders

Question 30

What is the most consistent predictor of marital stability?

Answer 30

Age of marriage * young people who marry in their teens to mid 20s are more likely to divorce than those who marry later

Question 31

Describe the difference between egalitarian and traditional marriages. How does the birth of children affect this?

Answer 31

Traditional * Clear division of roles * Women: cares for husband, children, home * Man: head of house; responsible for economic well-being Egalitarian: * Partners are equal * Share power and authority * Balance in attention to jobs, children, home

Question 32

What reasons do people typically give for wanting to have children?

Answer 32

* childbearing motivation * warm, affectionate relationship and opportunities for care and teaching that children provide * carry on legacy * sense of accomplishment

Question 33

What do we know about the arrival of a new baby and marital satisfaction?

Answer 33

* constant caregiving * added financial responsibility * less time for a couple relationship * gender roles become more traditional * * Mild decline in relationship and overall life satisfaction, but does not cause significant marital strain

Question 34

What psychological characteristics accompany those that are involuntarily childless, and those that are voluntarily childless

Answer 34

Involuntary childless * usually because they did not find a partner with whom to share parenthood or because efforts at fertility treatments did not succeed * usually dissatisfied, disappointed Voluntarily childless * do not plan on having children, but can change later on * usually highly educated, have prestigious occupations, or are very committed to their work * are usually as satisfied as people with children

Question 35

What is the neural network view?

Answer 35

refers to a theoretical model in neuroscience and psychology that describes the brain as a network of interconnected neurons, which work together to process information and support cognitive functions

Question 36

What do we know about expertise during middle adulthood?

Answer 36

Increases and develops further The development of expertise is under way in early adulthood and reaches its height in midlife, leading to highly efficient and effective approaches to solving problems. This rapid, implicit application of knowledge is typically the result of high ability in the domain of expertise plus years of learning, experience, and effortful practice

Question 37

What is the psychosocial conflict of midlife?

Answer 37

Generative versus stagnation - the psychological conflict of midlife, which is resolved positively if the adult can integrate personal goals with the welfare of the larger social world. The resulting strength is the capacity to give to and guide the next generation. Generative * reaching out to others in ways that give to and guide the next generation Stagnation * place own comfort and security above challenge and sacrifice * lack of involvement or concern with young people

Question 38

According to Levinson, what does middle adulthood begin with?

Answer 38

Mid-life transition - sense of time running out in life - evaluate early adulthood

Question 39

What are the developmental tasks according to Levinson (middle adulthood)

Answer 39

1) young-old : find new ways of being both young and old 2) Destruction-Creation : acknowledge past destructiveness; try to create products of value 3) masculinity-femininity: balance masculine and feminine parts of self 4) engagement-separateness: balance involvement with external world and separateness from it

Question 40

What is androgyny associated with?

Answer 40

…favorable adjustment

Question 41

What does Vaillant’s Theory say about midlife?

Answer 41

Ppl become “Keepers of meaning” - guardians of culture - adults in forties and duties carry responsibility for functioning of society

Question 42

What does research say about midlife crisis?

Answer 42

There is wide individual and gender differences * men go through it during midlife * women go through it in early adulthood

Question 43

What do we not about life regrets during middle adulthood?

Answer 43

Life regrets center mostly on romantic and family relationships, followed by education, career, finances, parenting, and health * life regrets are associated with less favorable psychological well being * at this point in time individuals are over their life regrets and do not continue to dwell on them, instead they promote corrective action

Question 44

How do possible selves change from early to mid adulthood

Answer 44

Adults in their early twenties mention many possible selves, and their visions are lofty and idealistic—being “perfectly happy,” “rich and famous,” “healthy throughout life,” and not being “a person who does nothing important.” With age, possible selves become fewer in number, more modest and concrete, and less far-off in realization. They are largely concerned with performance of roles and responsibilities already begun—“being competent at work,” “being a good husband and father,” “putting my children through college,” “staying healthy,” and not being “a burden to my family”

Question 45

How do coping strategies change in middle adulthood?

Answer 45

Middles adulthood is linked to a higher sense of control over aspects of one’s life, which contributes further to self-efficacy. An increase in complex integrated self descriptions and gains in emotional stability are also linked to better coping strategies This cause better coping strategies * seeking social support * using humor * underside positive side of harsh situations * postpone action to permit evaluation of alternatives * plan ways to handle future situations

Question 46

What role does marriage play in mental health?? (In mid adulthood)

Answer 46

* boosts psychological well being

Question 47

What does parental imperative theory refer to?

Answer 47

???

Question 48

What are the big 5 traits? How do they change with age? Are there cultural differences?

Answer 48

1) neuroticism - declines overtime 2) extroversion - does not change usually but can decrease 3) openers to experience - does not change usually but can decrease 4) agreeableness - increases from adolescence to middle age 5) conscientiousness - increases from adolescence to middle age There are cultural differences, and can be genetically influenced

Question 49

How do people generally adapt to divorce in midlife?

Answer 49

Divorce at an age takes a heavy psychological toll, but midlifers seem to adjust more easily than younger people * midlife gains in practical problem-solving and effective coping strategies may reduce the stressful impact of divorce

Question 50

What does it mean if a child is considered “ off time” in development?

Answer 50

It means that they deviate from parental expectations about how the path to adulthood responsibilities should unfold

Question 51

Who tends to be the kinkeeper in mid adulthood?

Answer 51

Members of the middle generation, especially mothers, usually take on the role of kinkeeper, gathering the family for celebrations and making sure everyone stays in touch.

Question 52

What do most grandparents say about being a grandparent?

Answer 52

* it is highly meaningful to most * it is a “second chance” - an opportunity to make up for earlier unfavorable parenting experiences “do it right”

Question 53

What is a skipped generation?

Answer 53

A family structure in which children live with grandparents but apart from parents.

Question 54

What does the sandwich generation refer to?

Answer 54

Refers to the idea that middle-aged adults must care for multiple generations above and below them at the same time

Question 55

How do friendships change?

Answer 55

* gender trends continue * Fewer friends; more selective * Invest more time, effort in friends

Question 56

What happens to job satisfaction in midlife?

Answer 56

* increases, An improved capacity to cope effectively with difficult situations and a broader time perspective probably contribute * but is lower in women and blue-collar workers

Question 57

Define functional age

Answer 57

Actual competence and performance of an older adult, as distinguished from chronological age

Question 58

What accounts for the increase in average life expectancy?

Answer 58

* improved nutrition * medical treatment * sanitation * safety * * decline in infant mortality rate * SES In women, reduced risk, taking, reduced physical regression, and extra X chromosome contribute to greater life expectancy than men

Question 59

What is the life expectancy crossover?

Answer 59

refers to a phenomenon observed in some populations where, after a certain age, life expectancy for men surpasses that of women. This is contrary to the typical trend, where women tend to live longer than men on average across most of life.

Question 60

What are activities of daily living? What about instrumental activities of daily living?

Answer 60

ADLs - Basic self-care tasks required to live on one’s own, such as bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, and eating. (Becomes more difficult after age 75) IADLs - Tasks necessary to conduct the business of daily life and also requiring some cognitive competence, such as telephoning, shopping, food preparation, housekeeping, and paying bills.

Question 61

What gender differences exist in regards to hearing and visual impairments

Answer 61

hearing impairments are more common than visual impairments Hearing * more men than women are hearing impaired Visual * more women than men report being visually impaired

Question 62

What is the leading cause of blindness?

Answer 62

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness Macular degeneration - Blurring and eventual loss of central vision due to a breakdown of light-sensitive cells in the macula, or central region of the retina.

Question 63

How does sleep change in late adulthood?

Answer 63

* require about seven hours of sleep like younger adults * more difficulty, falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping deeply * timing of sleep also changes toward earlier bedtime and earlier morning awakening

Question 64

What skin changes occur in late adulthood?

Answer 64

* creasing and sagging of the skin extends into old age * oil glands that lubricate the skin become less active leading to dryness and roughness * age spots increase * skin becomes more transparent, exposing blood vessels (due to loss of layer of fatty support)

Question 65

What does selective optimization with compensation mean?

Answer 65

A set of strategies used by older adults who sustain high levels of functioning. Narrowing their goals, they select personally valued activities to optimize (or maximize) returns from their diminishing energy and also find new ways to compensate for losses. Example, a piano artist in his late adulthood said he played shorter pieces of music and practice each one more

Question 66

Does sexuality change during late adulthood?

Answer 66

* sexual activity declines with age, but still nearly half of 75 to 85-year-olds are sexually active * Even at the most advanced ages, there is more to sexuality than the sex act itself—feeling sensual, enjoying close companionship, and being loved and wanted. Both older men and older women report that the male partner is usually the one who ceases to interact sexually

Question 67

What are the leading causes of death during late adulthood?

Answer 67

* heart disease and cancer are the leading cause of death * third is respiratory disease * followed by stroke, chronic respiratory disease, diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease

Question 68

Describe the changes in regards to unintentional injuries during this time. what contributes to this?

Answer 68

* at age of 65 and older the death rate from unintentional injuries is at an all-time high * motor vehicle collisions and falls are largely responsible * Visual processing difficulties, slowed reaction time, and declines in executive function contribute to vehicle collisions * Declines in vision, hearing, mobility, muscle strength, and cognitive functioning; depressed mood; use of medications that affect mental processing; and development of certain chronic illnesses contribute to falls

Question 69

Be familiar with dementia and Alzheimer’s

Answer 69

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia * dementia: A set of disorders occurring almost entirely in old age in which many aspects of thought and behavior are so impaired that everyday activities are disrupted - vascular dementia: A form of dementia that develops when a series of strokes leaves areas of dead brain cells, producing step-by-step degeneration of mental ability, with each step occurring abruptly after a stroke. * Alzheimer’s : The most common form of dementia, in which structural and chemical brain deterioration is associated with gradual loss of many aspects of thought and behavior, including memory, skilled and purposeful movements, and comprehension and production of speech

Question 70

What is terminal decline?

Answer 70

Acceleration in deterioration of cognitive functioning prior to death.