Middle Adulthood Flashcards
During middle adulthood, Erikson’s primary developmental conflict is:
a) Intimacy vs. isolation
b) Identity vs. role confusion
c) Generativity vs. stagnation
d) Integrity vs. despair
Answer: c) Generativity vs. stagnation
Generativity, as defined by Erikson, primarily involves:
a) Building meaningful friendships
b) Contributing to society and helping future generations
c) Resolving childhood conflicts
d) Focusing on self-identity
Answer: b) Contributing to society and helping future generations
In middle adulthood, many individuals face the challenge of balancing work with:
a) Early childhood responsibilities
b) Retirement planning
c) Family relationships and caregiving
d) Adolescent identity development
Answer: c) Family relationships and caregiving
According to Levinson, middle adulthood often involves a period called:
a) Role exploration
b) Stability phase
c) Midlife transition or “midlife crisis”
d) Social consolidation
Answer: c) Midlife transition or “midlife crisis”
Which of the following best characterizes a “midlife crisis”?
a) A period of intense career exploration in early adulthood
b) A time when middle-aged adults question life achievements and future goals
c) A phase of emotional regression during late adulthood
d) A time of physical growth and peak cognitive development
Answer: b) A time when middle-aged adults question life achievements and future goals
Middle-aged adults often experience changes in their relationships with children, such as:
a) Providing early childhood education and support
b) Moving away from children due to family conflicts
c) Coping with children leaving home, often called the “empty nest” phase
d) Having no significant changes in relationships with children
Answer: c) Coping with children leaving home, often called the “empty nest” phase
Which of the following physical changes is common in middle adulthood?
a) Rapid increase in bone density
b) Improvement in visual acuity
c) Decrease in muscle mass and flexibility
d) Increased resilience against illness
Answer: c) Decrease in muscle mass and flexibility
Cognitive development during middle adulthood is characterized by:
a) Decline in all cognitive skills
b) Increased flexibility in problem-solving and practical intelligence
c) Sharp increases in memory and learning speed
d) Complete dependence on concrete operational thinking
Answer: b) Increased flexibility in problem-solving and practical intelligence
Which of the following best describes “sandwich generation” stress?
a) Balancing career advancement with personal health
b) Taking care of both aging parents and children
c) Juggling multiple romantic relationships
d) Struggling with social conformity
Answer: b) Taking care of both aging parents and children
Middle-aged adults often focus on “legacy building,” which involves:
a) Developing basic self-care skills
b) Contributing to the next generation or society
c) Building a financial empire for personal gain
d) Avoiding any involvement with family or social issues
Answer: b) Contributing to the next generation or society
Which of the following factors is commonly associated with job satisfaction in middle adulthood?
a) Quick promotions and a high salary
b) Consistent work-life balance and meaningful work
c) Frequent career changes
d) Less autonomy in the workplace
Answer: b) Consistent work-life balance and meaningful work
A middle-aged individual who feels they are not leaving a meaningful legacy may experience:
a) A sense of purpose
b) Generativity
c) Stagnation
d) Fulfillment
Answer: c) Stagnation
During middle adulthood, physical changes may include:
a) Increased energy levels
b) Vision changes, such as presbyopia
c) Accelerated growth
d) Improved endurance
Answer: b) Vision changes, such as presbyopia
Research suggests that, in middle adulthood, adults are more likely to:
a) Prioritize short-term gratification over long-term goals
b) Engage in impulsive behaviors similar to adolescence
c) Focus on meaningful relationships and community involvement
d) Avoid social responsibilities entirely
Answer: c) Focus on meaningful relationships and community involvement
Which of the following describes a psychological aspect of generativity?
a) Only advancing personal career goals
b) Developing a sense of indifference toward society
c) Making contributions to family, community, or society
d) Focusing exclusively on personal financial success
Answer: c) Making contributions to family, community, or society
