final exam #2

Question 1

What are the characteristics of emerging adulthood, and how does this stage differ from other stages in the lifespan?

Answer 1

Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, a sense of being “in-between,” and possibilities.

Question 2

What are the key differences between emerging adulthood and established adulthood as developmental life stages?

Answer 2

Emerging Adulthood (18-29): Exploration of identity, education, relationships, and career. Greater flexibility and less stability.

Established Adulthood (30-45): Stability in career, relationships, and family. Greater responsibility and fewer transitions.

Question 3

What demographic trends have changed for young adults over time?

Answer 3

More young adults are delaying marriage, home ownership, and
parenthood.

Rising education levels and higher living costs have contributed to delayed milestones.

Question 4

What are the physical developmental characteristics of emerging adults, including changes in appearance, illnesses, and health?

Answer 4

Emerging adults (18–29) are at their physical peak with optimal strength, endurance, and metabolism. Skin is healthy, though some may still have acne. Health risks rise with poor lifestyle choices like bad diet and lack of sleep

Question 4

According to Arnett, what factors drive the emergence of the “new life stage” of emerging adulthood?

Answer 4

ccording to Arnett, the emergence of emerging adulthood is driven by extended education, delayed marriage and parenthood, prolonged financial dependence, and cultural shifts toward individualism and personal exploration.

Question 5

What are the typical intimacy-related patterns for emerging adults, including their attitudes toward sex, dating patterns (e.g., serial monogamy and social homogamy), factors influencing attraction, the concept of choice overload, and the closeness in romantic relationships and friendships?

Answer 5

Sexual Attitudes and Dating: Serial monogamy (sequential exclusive relationships), social homogamy (choosing partners with similar backgrounds).

Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love: Relationships are combinations of intimacy, passion, and commitment.

Factors Influencing Attraction:
Proximity, availability, physical attraction, self-disclosure, and shared values.

Question 6

How does the diathesis-stress model relate to psychopathology, and what forms of psychopathology are most likely to emerge in emerging adulthood? Can you apply this model to an example?

Answer 6

Mental health disorders can arise when environmental stress triggers underlying vulnerabilities or genetic predispositions.

Disorders like schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression are more likely to manifest in early adulthood.

Question 7

What trends exist in alcohol consumption during young adulthood, and how do these trends manifest?

Answer 7

Alcohol use and abuse peak in emerging adulthood, particularly among college students.

Question 8

What is post-formal thought, and how does it appear in emerging adults? How do changes in objectivity/subjectivity, flexibility, delay discounting, pragmatic thinking, and dialectical thinking manifest?

Answer 8

Post-formal thought is a higher level of thinking that goes beyond the logical, black-and-white reasoning of adolescence. It involves complexity, ambiguity, and flexibility in decision-making.

Question 9

How does identity development occur in emerging adulthood, from the perspective of Erikson?

Answer 9

Identity Development (Erikson):
Crisis of Intimacy vs. Isolation: Emerging adults must navigate forming intimate relationships without losing personal identity.

Loneliness: Peaking in emerging adulthood, despite having many friends

Question 10

How does vocational identity develop from childhood onwards?

Answer 10

Career choices move from fantasy to tentative and finally to realistic, where constraints and options are considered

Question 11

How is attachment theory relevant for young adults, and in what ways is attachment related to social adjustment?

Answer 11

High autonomy, financial independence, positive relationships, and self-esteem all contribute to well-being

Question 12

What characteristics of emerging adults contribute to their overall happiness?

Answer 12

Secure attachment leads to better social and emotional adjustment.

Attachment patterns influence romantic relationships and friendships.

Question 13

How does Erikson view psychosocial development in middle adulthood?

Answer 13

Generativity vs. Stagnation: Middle adults focus on contributing to society (generativity) or feeling stagnation if they fail to make a meaningful contribution

Question 14

What are the various challenges that make middle adulthood a time for increased stress for some individuals?

Answer 14

Challenges Leading to Increased Stress:
Balancing family, career, health issues, and financial responsibilities

Question 15

How do rates of different forms of partnerships (cohabitation, marriage), divorce, parenthood, and singlehood in middle adulthood compare to historical trends?

Answer 15

Increasing rates of cohabitation and divorce.

Later life parenting, and more single adults.

Question 16

What do the terms “sandwich generation,” “boomerang kids,” and “empty nesters” mean, and what are their potential implications for stress and adjustment in adults?

Answer 16

Sandwich Generation: Adults caring for both children and aging parents.

Boomerang Kids: Adults who return to live with their parents after a period of independence.

Empty Nesters: Parents whose children leave home, leading to potential role loss.

Question 17

What is senescence, and how is it reflected in physical, hormonal, and neurological changes during middle adulthood? What are some buffers against the aging process?

Answer 17

Natural aging process affecting physical and cognitive abilities. Factors like exercise, sleep, and social support can buffer against aging.

Question 18

What is menopause, and what are its biological and social impacts?

Answer 18

Menopause: Decline in estrogen and progesterone in women (typically late 40s to early 50s).

Andropause: Gradual decline in testosterone in me

Question 19

How do aging trends differ between sexes and across socioeconomic status (SES) in terms of life expectancy, mortality, illness, and health?

Answer 19

Collagen loss, muscle strength reduction, bone density loss.

Decreasing sensory abilities (e.g., presbyopia, presbycusis).

Question 20

What are the two “clusters” of intelligence, and how do these forms of intelligence change with age?

Answer 20

Fluid intelligence: Declines with age (quick thinking, problem-solving).

Crystallized intelligence: Cumulative knowledge, remains stable or improves.

Question 21

How do studies of intelligence in middle adulthood differ based on methodology (e.g., cross-sectional vs. longitudinal)?

Question 22

What is expert cognition, why is it most possible in adulthood, and what cognitive skills are reflected in expertise?

Answer 22

Experienced adults often rely on intuition, automaticity, and flexible strategies in problem-solving.

Question 23

What are the characteristics of a midlife crisis, and what factors influence its occurrence?

Answer 23

Not universal, but may involve reflection and revaluation of life achievements. It’s more related to personal history than to age alone

Question 24

How do Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Self-Determination Theory describe healthy balancing of needs?

Question 25

What are the Big 5 personality traits, and how do they evolve throughout adulthood? What are the extreme ends of these traits, and how do cultural and gender effects influence personality development?

Answer 25

Adults often develop a niche based on their personality traits.
Big 5 Personality Traits remain stable but can evolve over time.

Question 26

What are the population trends associated with the older demographic?

Answer 26

The elderly (65+) are increasing as a proportion of the population due to higher life expectancy and lower birth rates.

Question 27

What is the difference between primary and secondary aging processes, and can you provide examples of each?

Answer 27

Primary aging: Universal biological changes (e.g., gray hair, wrinkling skin).

Secondary aging: Aging due to controllable factors (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes).

Question 28

What is ageism, and how does it impact older adults?

Answer 28

Negative stereotypes and discrimination against older adults, often implying frailty and dependence

Question 29

What changes in brain structure and functioning occur during late adulthood?

Answer 29

Scaffolding Theory of Aging: The brain compensates for loss of function by forming new neural connections.

Processing speed declines, but cognitive reserve can buffer against some cognitive decline.

Question 30

What are the basic trends in cognitive functioning during late adulthood, including changes in memory (types of memory), and recall of information? How does the type of testing used affect these outcomes?

Answer 30

Memory: Episodic memory tends to decline, but semantic and implicit memory remain stable.

Working memory and central executive functions are more likely to show decline

Question 31

What are the dementias, and what is their prevalence in late adulthood?

Answer 31

Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are common forms of dementia affecting older adults

Question 32

What factors can slow cognitive decline in late adulthood?

Answer 32

Factors that slow cognitive decline include physical exercise, mental stimulation, social engagement, healthy diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and managing chronic condition

Question 33

How does Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development apply to late adulthood?

Answer 33

Retirement can have a honeymoon phase followed by disenchantment, leading to the need for reorientation and a new sense of purpose.

Question 34

What are the key ideas behind theories of healthy aging, including socioemotional selectivity theory, selective optimization with compensation, activity theory, and self-regulation? Can you give examples of each?

Answer 34

Activity Theory: Greater activity correlates with greater life satisfaction.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory: Older adults prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships.

Selective Optimization with Compensation: Adapting to physical and cognitive changes by using different strategies.

Question 35

What are the basic attitudes towards retirement in late adulthood, and how might retirement impact marital satisfaction?

Answer 35

Attitudes Towards Retirement: People may feel relief and enjoy more free time, but some experience loss of purpose or financial stress. Health and social engagement also influence attitudes.

Impact on Marital Satisfaction: Retirement can bring closer bonds or cause tension, depending on role changes, expectations, and financial or health issues. Communication and shared activities help improve satisfaction.