physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood Flashcards
What is maximum oxygen uptake (V O2 max)?
A measure of the body’s ability to take in and transport oxygen to various body organs.
At what age does exercise capability begin to decline?
Between 35 and 40.
When does strength peak in adulthood?
In the 20s and 30s.
What happens to cellular elasticity with age?
Gradual loss of elasticity in most cells, including skin, muscle, tendon, and blood vessel cells.
At what age does height loss become measurable?
40.
What is the nature of weight changes in adulthood?
Nonlinear; weight reaches a maximum in middle adulthood and then gradually declines in old age.
What occurs to skin elasticity around age 40?
Increase in wrinkles due to loss of elasticity.
At what age does hair begin to thin and may grey?
About 50.
What changes occur in heart and lung function around age 35 or 40?
Most functions do not show age changes at rest but do during work or exercise.
What happens to the nervous system throughout adulthood?
Gradual loss of neurons in the brain and reduction in density of dendrites.
When does the immune system begin to change?
In adolescence.
What reproductive changes occur in women during their mid-30s?
Increased reproductive risk and lowered fertility.
What is the role of B cells in the immune system?
Fight against external threats by producing antibodies.
What decline occurs in T cells with age?
Decline in number and efficiency.
What is crystallized intelligence?
Intelligence that depends heavily on education and experience.
What is fluid intelligence?
Involves basic abilities that depend on the efficient functioning of the central nervous system.
What happens to fluid intelligence as adults age?
It declines steadily, starting around age 35 or 40.
What is primary aging?
Age-related physical changes that have a biological basis and are universally shared.
What is secondary aging?
Age-related changes due to social and environmental influences, poor health habits, or disease.
What is the relationship between socioeconomic status and health?
The degree of socioeconomic inequality of a country is related to the overall health of its citizens.
What are Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY)?
A health indicator measuring the overall burden of disease.
What does Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE) measure?
The average number of years a person can expect to live in good health.
What are the four determinants of health?
- Socioeconomic factors * Health care system * Biology and genetics * Physical environment
What happens to the thymus gland with age?
It declines dramatically in size and mass after adolescence.
What is a significant risk for women in their 30s regarding pregnancy?
Higher risk of miscarriage and other complications.
How does the brain mature into adulthood?
Through a cyclical pattern of rapid grey matter proliferation followed by synaptic pruning and myelination.
At what age do men experience a gradual decline in viable sperm?
Beginning at about age 40.
What effect does enhanced cognitive training have on the brain?
It can strengthen and maintain functional and structural brain connectivity.
What are the two key organs in the immune system?
- Thymus gland * Bone marrow
What happens to the brain’s frontal lobes during early adulthood?
A major spurt in development occurs, enhancing formal operational thinking.
What is the impact of biological embedding on health?
Social circumstances in early life can cause epigenetic modifications influencing health trajectories.
What is the average health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) trend in Canada?
It has increased over the past few decades, more so for men than women.
Fill in the blank: The brain continues to mature throughout _______.
[early adulthood]
What is the cyclical pattern of normal brain development?
Rapid proliferation of grey matter followed by synaptic pruning and myelination
Maturation of the brain occurs at different times and rates for specific regions.
When do surges in grey matter occur?
During the first 18 months of life and just prior to puberty
What significant educational gains have been made in post-secondary education?
Among women and Indigenous Canadians
What is postformal thought?
Types of thinking associated with a hypothesized fifth stage of cognitive development
Define relativism in the context of cognitive development.
The idea that some propositions cannot be adequately described as either true or false
What is dialectical thought?
A form of thought involving recognition and acceptance of paradox and uncertainty
What is reflective judgement?
The ability to identify the underlying assumptions of differing perspectives on controversial issues
What is the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Canada?
One of the most common forms of violence against women; rates are 2.5 to 3.1 times higher for Indigenous than non-Indigenous women
What characteristics are common among abusers in intimate partner violence?
- Tendency toward irrational jealousy
- Need for dependency and control
- Sudden mood swings
- Quick temper
- Aggressive behavior
- High school drop-outs
- Frequent unemployment
- Alcohol or drug users
What psychological effects can victims of IPV experience?
- Physical injury
- Sexual and reproductive disorders
- Homicide risk
- Fear, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem
What are the three levels of sexual assault defined by Canadian law?
- Level 1: sexual assault
- Level 2: sexual assault with a weapon or resulting in bodily harm
- Level 3: aggravated sexual assault
What are the four factors that influence the addictive potential of a drug?
- How fast the effects are felt
- How pleasurable the effects are
- How long the pleasurable effects last
- Discomfort experienced when the drug is discontinued
What is the peak age range for alcohol abuse and drug addiction?
Between 18 and 40
What health practices were identified in the Alameda County Study?
- Getting physical exercise
- Not smoking
- Drinking moderately
- Avoiding over- or under-eating
- Getting regular sleep
What is the relationship between social support and health?
Adults with adequate social support have a lower risk of disease, death, and depression
What is the impact of early adulthood risky behaviors on health?
Risky behaviors can lead to problems, despite early adulthood being a relatively healthy period
What is the effect of optimism on medication benefits?
Optimists show larger benefits from medication than pessimists
What is the highest risk age group for emotional disturbances?
Early adulthood
What types of disorders are the most common in early adulthood?
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders, with depression being the most frequent
What are some characteristics of personality disorders?
- Difficulty forming emotional attachments
- Lack of empathy
- Self-centeredness
- Irregular emotional responses
What is the effect of witnessing abuse on children?
It affects their development
What contributes to the rates of partner violence?
Cultural attitudes
What is the role of vigorous law enforcement in preventing IPV?
It can help reduce rates of intimate partner violence
What are the psychological effects of being a victim of sexual violence?
- Development of sexual dysfunctions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Long-lasting psychological effects
What is the age range most affected by binge drinking?
20 to 34 years
