Deck 8: Middle Adulthood

Question 1

During middle adulthood, the risk of adult-onset diabetes increases as body tissues lose their sensitivity to insulin.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women is 1 in 3.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Menopause is the cessation of menstruation that normally occurs between the ages of 46 and 50 and lasts for about 2 years.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Researchers for the National Health and Social Life Survey found that sexual dysfunctions are rather uncommon during middle adulthood.

Question 5

IQ scores in the United States have risen over the past couple of generations.

Question 6

Aspects of creativity that are more likely to be found among young adults include creativity in music, mathematics, and physics.

Question 7

Men make up about 63% of postsecondary students aged 35 and above in the United States.

Question 8

Striving for top performance and success at work, is one of Robert Havighurst's Developmental Tasks of Middle Adulthood.

Question 9

Studies show that the majority of women experience a painful empty-nest syndrome when their youngest child leaves home.

Question 10

Middle-aged adults who perceive negative life events as specific rather than global tend to be less depressed about those events.

Question 11

According to research findings, women in their 40s and 60s show nearly equal levels of generativity.

Question 12

Once their children become emerging or young adults, most parents in the United States agonize over "launching" their children into the world to live on their own.

Question 13

Studies show that in two-parent households, a grandparent residing with the family typically becomes a source of discord between the parents.

Question 14

In East Asian nations, older parents tend to live with their children.

Question 15

Most adult sibling relationships are close regardless of the nature of the relationship in childhood.

Question 16

In chronological terms, developmentalists consider middle adulthood to span the years from ____.

A) 30 to 55
B) 35 to 60
C) 40 to 65
D) 45 to 70

Question 17

Sheila once had thick red hair. Now at the age of 60, most of Sheila's hair is gray. What caused this change in Sheila's hair color?

A) loss of melanin
B) loss of keratin
C) loss of papillae
D) loss of dermis

Question 18

Much of the wrinkling of the skin associated with aging is caused by ____.

A) the body producing fewer keratinocytes
B) the body producing fewer melanocytes
C) exposure to environmental chemicals
D) exposure to ultraviolet rays

Question 19

After having difficulty focusing on fine print for several years, 43-year-old Regina visits an ophthalmologist who tells her that she is experiencing age-related loss of elasticity of the lens. To what condition is Regina's ophthalmologist referring?

A) cataracts
B) presbyopia
C) astigmatism
D) glaucoma

Question 20

Forty-eight-year old Marcy rides her bicycle through the park with her husband. While approaching a pot hole, she does not turn in time to miss it. She remarks to her husband, "I just don't seem to react as quickly as I used to." Why have Marcy's reaction times slowed over the years?

A) loss of neurons
B) loss of muscle tone
C) loss of myelination
D) loss of bone density

Question 21

During middle adulthood, how can one compensate for the physical changes associated with aging?

A) Exercise can compensate for muscle loss by causing growth of new muscle cells.
B) Regular exercise can offset much of the age-related loss in lung capacity.
C) Vigorous exercise can help regain the prowess of a young adult athlete.
D) Eliminating simple carbohydrates can block age-related loss of lean-body mass.

Question 22

Why does the metabolic rate decline as we age?

A) Metabolic enzymes begin to degrade.
B) More calories must be kept on reserve to support aging body tissues.
C) Fat burns fewer calories than muscle.
D) Activity levels significantly decline.

Question 23

Bone, which consists largely of calcium, begins to lose density and strength at around the age of ____.

A) 30
B) 40
C) 50
D) 60

Question 24

What is a critique of the statement, "People in the United States profit from having the best health care in the world?"

A) Our health care system places little value on holistic and herbal remedies.
B) Some socioeconomic groups and racial and ethnic minority groups lack access to health care.
C) Preventative medicine is encouraged by only a minority of health care practitioners.
D) Diet and exercise are not part of our routine health care maintenance plans.

Question 25

At a local community center, urologist Dr. Cole raises awareness about the risks for prostate cancer for certain racial and ethnic groups. For which group of people does Dr. Cole advise prostate cancer screenings beginning at the age of 45?

A) African American
B) Hispanic
C) Caucasian
D) Asian

Question 26

The development of malignant or cancerous cells in parts of the body other than where they originated from is referred to as ____.

A) migration
B) mutation
C) proliferation
D) metastasis

Question 27

What cellular event is a trigger for cancer?

A) peroxisomal degradation
B) DNA mutation
C) mitochondrial failure
D) ribosomal dysfunction

Question 28

Which is an example of a carcinogen?

A) certain viruses
B) hereditary factors
C) hormonal factors
D) immune dysfunction

Question 29

While researching cancer mortality rates for a school project, Diana notices that racial and ethnic minority groups have higher cancer mortality rates. What is the likely cause for these differences?

A) genetic factors
B) lack of education
C) lack of early detection and treatment
D) inadequate access to healthy foods

Question 30

In the United States, what is the lifetime risk of developing cancer for males?

A) 1 in 2
B) 1 in 3
C) 1 in 4
D) 1 in 5

Question 31

While writing a report on the causes of cancer, Tamika is surprised to find out that 30% of all cancers in Western cultures are due to ____.

A) smoking
B) diet
C) heredity
D) environmental toxins

Question 32

Arteriosclerosis is best defined as the ____.

A) collapse of the arteries
B) loss of the arteries
C) the breakage of the arteries
D) the hardening of the arteries

Question 33

Fifty-eight-year old Jerry learns that he has atherosclerosis; his cardiologist explains to him that ____.

A) his heart tissue is deteriorating
B) there is a buildup of plaque in his arteries
C) his heart beat is weak and irregular
D) blood is leaking out of his arteries

Question 34

A white blood cell is referred to as a(n) ____.

A) erythrocyte
B) leukocyte
C) platelet
D) melanocyte

Question 35

Pedro is infected with the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pedro's white blood cells generate what substance in response to the Streptococcus pneumoniae to help Pedro's body fight off the infection?

A) antibodies
B) antigens
C) antidotes
D) antibactercides

Question 36

Dexter falls and bumps his knee while out for his morning jog. By the end of the day, the site of the injury shows the classical signs of inflammation: redness, swelling and warmth. What physiological response caused the inflammation?

A) Lymph fluid is rerouted to the site of injury and local lymph nodes swell with excess fluids.
B) Water displacement occurs as the white blood cells draw water from the blood towards the site of injury.
C) The site of injury experiences increased blood flow, cell numbers, and endogenous chemical release.
D) Blood clotting factors and cellular enzymes involved in tissue repair migrate to the site of injury.

Question 37

How can stress increase the risk of heart attack in vulnerable individuals?

A) Stress hormones may inhibit the break down of fatty deposits.
B) Stress hormones can constrict blood vessels that lead to the heart.
C) Stress hormones cause the heart to beat at an accelerated rate.
D) Stress hormones promote the release of endogenous toxic chemicals.

Question 38

Compared with early adulthood, sexual activity in middle adulthood tends to ____.

A) stay the same
B) increase
C) decrease
D) peak then decline

Question 39

Why is it thought that a significant percentage of 50- to 59-year-old women become sexually inactive?

A) They have a loss of interest in sex
B) They become widowed or divorced
C) They are dissatisfied with their current partner
D) Physical changes cause pain during sex.

Question 40

The most common sexual problem among men during the latter part of middle adulthood is ____.

A) erectile dysfunction
B) premature ejaculation
C) lack of sexual desire
D) pain during sex

Question 41

Fifty-year-old Mimi has been experiencing irregular periods for the last six months. This may indicate that Mimi is experiencing ____.

A) menopause
B) perimenopause
C) amenorrhea
D) periamenorrhea

Question 42

A sign of estrogen deficiency in middle adulthood women is ____.

A) blurred vision
B) constipation
C) diarrhea
D) heart palpitations

Question 43

Jessica is experiencing menopause. She discusses hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with her gynecologist to help mitigate some of the symptoms of menopause. Jessica's gynecologist informs her that HRT____.

A) has no serious side effects
B) increases the risk of osteoporosis
C) decreases the risk of colon cancer
D) decreases the risk of strokes

Question 44

What contributes to erectile disorder in men and inadequate lubrication in women?

A) fatigue
B) decreased progesterone
C) hypertension
D) high cholesterol

Question 45

In middle-aged and older women, what physiological change contributes to pain during sex?

A) Uterine prolapse
B) Stiffening of the cervix
C) Thinning of the vaginal wall
D) Tilting of the uterus

Question 46

What may help middle adult and older men ward off erectile dysfunction?

A) Eliminating red meat
B) Regular exercise
C) Taking herbal supplements
D) Avoiding caffeine

Question 47

In the context of cognitive development, the fact that some aspects of intellectual functioning may improve while others remain stable or decline is referred to as ____.

A) reciprocity
B) multidirectionality
C) plasticity
D) homeostasis

Question 48

The fact that intellectual abilities are not absolutely fixed but can be modified is referred to as ____.

A) reciprocity
B) multidirectionality
C) plasticity
D) homeostasis

Question 49

Why is it believed that IQ scores in the United States have risen over the past couple of generations?

A) Better health care
B) Less to worry about
C) Better education
D) Small genetic changes

Question 50

A person's skills at processing information is referred to as ____.

A) crystallized intelligence
B) emergent intelligence
C) fluid intelligence
D) assurgent intelligence

Question 51

Forty-seven-year old Edgar decides he wants to learn German for his upcoming trip to Germany. He spends each morning reviewing a vocabulary list of commonly used German words. What type of intelligence is Edgar using?

A) crystallized intelligence
B) emergent intelligence
C) fluid intelligence
D) assurgent intelligence

Question 52

Sixty-two year old Alena visits her seven year old grandson Miles. Miles asks his grandmother to play his new puzzle-theme video game. Alena attempts to process the incoming puzzle pieces and place them in the correct slots, demonstrating the use of ____.

A) crystallized intelligence
B) emergent intelligence
C) fluid intelligence
D) assurgent intelligence

Question 53

How are crystallized and fluid intelligence affected by aging?

A) Both crystallized and fluid intelligence decline during aging.
B) Both crystallized and fluid intelligence increase during aging.
C) Crystallized intelligence declines; fluid intelligence increases.
D) Crystallized intelligence increases; fluid intelligence declines.

Question 54

According to the work of Schaie and colleagues, which scenario is most likely to contribute to a slower cognitive decline in advanced late adulthood?

A) Betty reflects on her former life as a professional dancer and wishes that she put off having kids to pursue her career further.
B) Bill is enjoying his favorite past-time of 20 years, watching professional sports on TV.
C) Although Regis was raised as a conservative, he is glad to have attended the wedding of his gay grandson to welcome his new husband into their family.
D) Joseph put most of his earnings into a savings account so he will have a sizable nest egg to leave to his grandchildren.

Question 55

According to a longitudinal study performed by Schaie et al., considering all things are equal, which person is likely to score the highest in perceptual speed (assuming good health for all): Caitlyn 25 years old; Melissa 39 years old; Kathy 53 years old; Eleanor 67 years old?

A) Caitlyn
B) Melissa
C) Kathy
D) Eleanor

Question 56

According to a longitudinal study performed by Schaie et al., which person is likely to score the lowest in verbal ability (assuming good health for all): Caitlyn 25 years old; Melissa 39 years old; Kathy 53 years old; and Eleanor 67 years old?

A) Caitlyn
B) Melissa
C) Kathy
D) Eleanor

Question 57

According to a longitudinal study performed by Schaie et al., considering all things equal, which person is likely to score the highest in inductive reasoning: Caitlyn 25 years old; Melissa 39 years old; Kathy 53 years old; and Eleanor 67 years old?

A) Caitlyn
B) Melissa
C) Kathy
D) Eleanor

Question 58

Which type of cognitive function appears to be most negatively affected in middle adulthood?

A) long-term memory
B) short-term memory
C) general knowledge
D) procedural memory

Question 59

Pauline runs an advertising firm and is looking to hire a manager for the sales staff. According to the text, what could you tell Pauline to convince her to hire someone that is middle-aged rather than a young adult?

A) They are likely to experience more job satisfaction.
B) They are likely to be less competitive with others.
C) They are likely to be bring a more energetic attitude to the workforce.
D) They are likely to be calmer in stressful situations.

Question 60

Aspects of creativity are more likely to be found among young adults in which field?

A) art
B) writing
C) biology
D) physics

Question 61

Forty-one-year old Dave is contemplating returning to college but is nervous to do so. What can you tell Dave to encourage him to return to college?

A) He will have an easier time committing new material to memory.
B) The professors will likely treat Dave more as a colleague than a student.
C) Middle-aged students tend to be more motivated.
D) Younger students will embrace him into their inner circle.

Question 62

According to the text, which middle-aged woman is the most likely to return to school?

A) Clarice works part-time as a freelance writer and has no children.
B) Tiffany works full-time as an administrative assistant and has two young children.
C) Shelby volunteers part-time at a local homeless shelter and has one teenage son.
D) Mavis is a stay-at-home mom to a toddler and two young children.

Question 63

Today, approximately what percent of postsecondary students are considered returning students?

A) 0.7%
B) 1.7%
C) 17%
D) 27%

Question 64

What is a critique of Havighurst's Developmental Tasks of Middle Adulthood?

A) His vision is one-dimensional.
B) His vision lacks focus.
C) His vision is overly optimistic.
D) His vision ignores physical challenges.

Question 65

From the list below, which is from Robert Havighurst's Developmental Tasks of Middle Adulthood?

A) Finding inner peace and balance
B) Developing a range of enjoyable leisure activities
C) Preparing for financial security
D) Reflecting on past accomplishments

Question 66

The major psychological challenge of the middle years, according to Erikson, is ____.

A) industry versus inferiority
B) intimacy versus isolation
C) generativity versus stagnation
D) ego integrity versus despair

Question 67

According to Erikson, what is meant by the term generativity?

A) Attaining financial successful
B) Bearing and rearing children
C) Reaching a state of self-actualization
D) Coming to terms with one's mortality

Question 68

According to Erikson, which circumstance embodies the concept of stagnation?

A) Hector worries constantly about his health.
B) Chloe is in the midst of a divorce.
C) Zack is frustrated with his current work situation.
D) Rachel decides not to get pregnant out of fear of gaining weight.

Question 69

A psychological shift into middle adulthood that is theorized to occur between the ages of 40 and 45 as people begin to believe they have more to look back upon than forward to is referred to as a midlife ____.

A) crisis
B) dilemma
C) conversion
D) transition

Question 70

A time of dramatic self-doubt and anxiety during which people sense the passing of their youth and become concerned with their own aging and mortality is referred to as a midlife ____.

A) crisis
B) dilemma
C) conversion
D) transition

Question 71

According to Sheehy, why do women seem to enter midlife at the age of 35, five years earlier than men?

A) By the age of 35, women typically have more gray hair and wrinkles than men.
B) Women begin to feel that they are no longer sexually attractive around the age of 35.
C) Pregnant women 35 years and older are advised to undergo amniocentesis.
D) Divorce rates for women skyrocket after the age of 35.

Question 72

On the eve of her 40th birthday, Glenda feels depressed about entering the next phase of her life, middle adulthood. As her friend, what can you tell Glenda about middle adulthood to cheer her up?

A) The risk of cancer slightly decreases until late adulthood.
B) Middle-aged adults are more apt to survive a company downsize.
C) Middle adulthood typically provides more opportunities to focus on one self.
D) Many middle-aged adults earn more money than their younger counterparts.

Question 73

What approach focuses on the challenges and changes of life that people encounter during middle age?

A) life-events approach
B) experienced milestones approach
C) trials and tribulations approach
D) hurdles approach

Question 74

Maggie is the mother of three girls; the eldest two are away at college and the youngest is a senior in high school. Maggie is worried that she will experience loneliness or a loss of purpose when her youngest daughter goes off to college as well. What term is used to describe Maggie's fears?

A) broken-heart syndrome
B) momma-bear syndrome
C) empty-nest syndrome
D) lonesome-dove syndrome

Question 75

Ryan is a 33-year-old record store manager who continues to live with his parents. Although his parents have asked him if he plans to find an apartment, he has no plans to leave and is very comfortable living with them. Ryan is displaying classical signs of ____ syndrome.

A) failure to thrive
B) failure to launch
C) revolving-door
D) open-arms

Question 76

What mitigates the effects of stress and fosters feelings of well-being among midlife adults?

A) Willingness to help others
B) Focusing on the self
C) High level of creativity
D) Sense of control

Question 77

According to researchers studying the "big five" personality traits, personalities ____.

A) are largely shaped by environmental factors as we age
B) tend to mature rather than be shaped by environmental conditions
C) lose negative attributes as a person reaches self-actualization
D) reach a threshold state and are cemented during middle adulthood

Question 78

Which personality trait contrasts talkativeness, assertiveness, and activity with silence, passivity, and reserve?

A) extraversion
B) openness to experience
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness

Question 79

Which personality trait contrasts kindness, trust, and warmth with hostility, selfishness, and distrust?

A) extraversion
B) neuroticism
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness

Question 80

Which personality trait contrasts kindness, trust, and warmth with hostility, selfishness, and distrust?

A) extraversion
B) neuroticism
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness