Deck 15: Social Aspects of Later Life: Psychosocial, Retirement, Relationship, and Societal Issues

Question 1

Adaptation level is reached when

A) competence exceeds an environmental press.
B) environmental press exceeds competence.
C) the environmental press makes no demands on competence but competence still exists.
D) the environmental press is at the average state for a given level of competence.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Winnie is a supervisor of several employees. She believes that her employees, though happy on the job, could be producing more than they are. She decides to try to get them into their "zone of maximum performance potential." What is she going to have to do to accomplish this?

A) Increase their environmental press
B) Increase their competence
C) Increase their sense of continuity
D) Encourage docility

Answer 2

A

Question 3

How do you move from an adaptation level to the zone of maximum performance potential?

A) Significantly increase press
B) Slightly increase press
C) Slightly decrease press
D) Significantly decrease press

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The demands exerted on one's self by one's surroundings defines

A) an environmental press.
B) maximum comfort.
C) internal continuity.
D) competence.

Question 5

Although Dougie has always loved his job, he now finds that it is no longer a challenge. He has done it for so long that he has become bored with it. Because of that, he has been looking for some alternative assignments. Dougie is attempting to better his situation by

A) weakening his environmental press.
B) creating a zone of maximum comfort.
C) making his life less continuous.
D) demonstrating docility.

Question 6

Continuity theory is based on the premise that

A) change is uncommon in adulthood.
B) daily problems are solved using strategies that have been successful in the past.
C) the maximum level of cognitive abilities is achieved in middle adulthood.
D) environmental demands decline with age.

Question 7

As with many individuals with senile dementia, Alois has begun to experience a reduced and distorted sense of self. This is an example of

A) external continuity.
B) internal continuity.
C) external discontinuity.
D) internal discontinuity.

Question 8

A university advertises that its goal is to "take all students and help them reach their highest potential." In other words, the university is attempting to help students reach their level of

A) competence.
B) proclivity.
C) proactivity.
D) internal continuity.

Question 9

Experimenters are attempting to assess the upper limits of Ralph's physical, sensory-perceptual, cognitive, motor, and personal skills. When they are done, they will have determined Ralph's

A) proactivity.
B) continuity.
C) competence.
D) environmental press.

Question 10

The fact that Kenyon can cope with his current boss's bad attitude because he has had past experience dealing with similar bosses is best explained by

A) continuity theory.
B) mechanics intelligence.
C) the social convoy.
D) cross-linking theory.

Question 11

Which adaptation level is associated with the greatest happiness and lack of worry about environmental demands?

A) Zone of maximum performance potential
B) The marginal adaptation level
C) Average level of competence and press level
D) Zone of maximum comfort

Question 12

A individual with a sense of _____ continuity would be most likely to say, "I hate my life because every day is just like the last."

A) No
B) too little
C) a moderate level of
D) too much

Question 13

The upper limit of a person's ability to function in different domains is called

A) zone of maximum comfort
B) adaption level.
C) competence.
D) continuity.

Question 14

When you are at your "adaptation level," your

A) behavior and affect are abnormal.
B) behavior is normal and your affect is abnormal.
C) behavior is abnormal and your affect is normal.
D) behavior and affect are normal.

Question 15

Al's statement, "During the last 30 years, my living arrangement pattern would best be described as single to married with children to divorced and on my own," exemplifies

A) external continuity.
B) internal continuity.
C) external discontinuity.
D) internal discontinuity.

Question 16

The comment, "I have been in this line of work for the past 35 years" is best associated with _____.

A) external continuity.
B) internal continuity.
C) external discontinuity.
D) internal discontinuity.

Question 17

Ever since 70-year-old Kringle was a teenager, he has always seen himself as a "happy and jolly old soul." This describes an individual with a high level of

A) external continuity.
B) internal continuity.
C) external discontinuity.
D) internal discontinuity.

Question 18

Since he is the next in line for the throne, Prince William must attend formal gatherings nearly every day. Such gatherings represent

A) proactivity.
B) discontinuity.
C) environmental press.
D) an example of competence.

Question 19

Bannister has run a mile in just under four minutes, which is his best time ever. This would represent his level of ____ for this skill.

A) compliance
B) docility
C) competence
D) proactivity

Question 20

Watching his grandchildren for the weekend has increased the environmental press in Hugo's life slightly, bringing out the best in Hugo's interpersonal skills. While watching his grandchildren, Hugo is apparently operating

A) at the adaptation level.
B) in the zone of maximum comfort.
C) in the zone of maximum performance potential.
D) in a marginal zone.

Question 21

When Kayla looks back on her life, she is filled with a sense of pride and feels good about what she's done. Which term best describes these feelings?

A) Subjective well-being
B) Social convoy
C) Docility
D) Socioemotional selectivity

Question 22

Maladaptive behavior is most likely under conditions of

A) high competence and weak environmental press.
B) medium competence and moderate environmental press.
C) low competence and weak environmental press.
D) no competence and no environmental press.

Question 23

When businessman Eli notices that a lot of deals take place on the golf course, he signs up for golf lessons. Eli is exhibiting

A) docility.
B) proactivity.
C) environmental press.
D) disengagement.

Question 24

As you believe in Erikson's theory, you would most likely view your 90-year-old grandmother as struggling with a conflict of

A) generativity versus stagnation.
B) integrity versus despair.
C) identity versus role confusion.
D) industry versus inferiority.

Question 25

The conflict of integrity versus despair is characterized by

A) attempting to make sense out of one's life.
B) forming an initial sense of identity.
C) a sense of great care for the next generation.
D) developing a sense of trust.

Question 26

Jeff is 73 years old. Lately, he's been thinking about the things he's done in his life-his relationships, his accomplishments, and other experiences he's had. Which term best describes what Jeff is doing?

A) Life review
B) Despair
C) Proactivity
D) Socioemotional selectivity

Question 27

Which of the following is not typically measured in an effort to assess subjective well-being?

A) Life satisfaction
B) Happiness
C) Stress
D) Self-esteem

Question 28

After conducting a life review, 85-year-old Gus concludes that his life was riddled with inappropriate actions and basically stunk. Based on this review, Erikson would predict that Gus would

A) be very fearful of death.
B) become proactive.
C) regress back to an earlier stage of life.
D) exhibit generativity.

Question 29

The "zone of maximum comfort" is reached when

A) people are right at their adaptation level.
B) environmental press slightly exceeds competence.
C) people are maladaptive.
D) competence slightly exceeds environmental press.

Question 30

Which combination is most likely?

A) Low proactivity and average competence
B) Low proactivity and medium competence
C) High proactivity and high competence
D) High proactivity and low competence

Question 31

When elderly people "accept the past," they tend to ____ than people who do not.

A) be in more despair
B) be less depressed
C) have less subjective well-being
D) act more docily

Question 32

Noah is trying to come to grips with the fact that he is very old and doesn't have long to live. To do this, he thinks of the things he has accomplished, the children he has raised, and the things he has done for the community. Noah is struggling with Erikson's stage of

A) generativity versus stagnation.
B) integrity versus despair.
C) intimacy versus isolation.
D) initiative versus guilt.

Question 33

The ability to exert control over one's life underlies a strong sense of

A) docility.
B) proactivity.
C) environmental press.
D) disengagement.

Question 34

Hazel is tired of worrying about her new landlord. When her friends tell her to become involved to protect her interests, Hazel says, "It's too late in the day. Whatever happens, happens. I'll simply do whatever the landlord says." Hazel is exhibiting

A) docility.
B) proactivity.
C) adaptation level.
D) high levels of competence.

Question 35

Docility is to proactivity as

A) social is to cognitive.
B) extrovert is to introvert.
C) maximum comfort is to maximum performance.
D) situational control is to self-control.

Question 36

Which of the following factors is not related to subjective well-being?

A) Hardiness
B) Marital status
C) Chronic illness
D) Culture

Question 37

Erikson would suggest that 80-year-old ____ has achieved integrity.

A) Elmer, who is highly self-conscious,
B) Christine, who is highly self-affirming,
C) Harold, who has good self-recognition skills,
D) Francis, who has excellent self-monitoring skills,

Question 38

Docility is characterized by a sense of

A) little control.
B) intermediate care.
C) high competence.
D) proactivity.

Question 39

All of the following individuals are currently in jobs that challenge them to perform at their average level of competence. Who would be entering their "zone of maximum comfort ?"

A) Janet, whose job just got significantly harder
B) Tito, whose job just got slightly harder
C) Jermaine, whose job just got slightly easier
D) Mahalia, whose job just got significantly easier

Question 40

An individual with ____ well-being holds a positive self-evaluation that is based on positive life experiences.

A) dysphoric
B) indeterminate
C) subjective
D) inverse

Question 41

Which statement about spirituality and health is true?

A) Higher levels of spirituality are associated with better physical and mental health
B) Higher levels of spirituality are associated with better physical but poorer mental health
C) Higher levels of spirituality are associated with better mental but poorer physical health
D) Lower levels of spirituality are associated with better physical and mental health

Question 42

Who is most likely to say, "When I cannot go to church, I feel bad about myself?"

A) Sonny, who is a European-American male
B) Cher, who is a European-American female
C) Ike, who is an African-American male
D) Tina, who is an African-American female

Question 43

Retirement always involves the loss of

A) integrity.
B) maximum performance potential.
C) autonomy.
D) occupational identity.

Question 44

A clean break from employment is referred to as a ____ retirement.

A) "cusp"
B) "crisp"
C) "convoy"
D) "competent"

Question 45

Research on subjective well-being across cultures has found that

A) the degree to which age is viewed positively affects well-being.
B) the same factors predict successful aging in other cultures.
C) the factors important in Western cultures differ from those in Eastern cultures.
D) the cultures with more daily stress have poorer well-being.

Question 46

Which best describes the concept of "la fé de la gente" (faith of the people)?

A) A coping style in which there is heavy reliance on a specific cultural ideology
B) A coping style mandating the use of specific religious rituals
C) A coping style in which one pledges one's future to a specific church (e.g., "If I get through this, I will become a priest")
D) A coping style during which a religious conversion to another faith occurs

Question 47

While attempting to cope with the death of her sister, Megan decides to participate in a spontaneous celebration of life sponsored by a local church. For Megan, this participation is a nice example of the use of a ____ support.

A) Spiritual
B) Secular
C) tertiary
D) docility

Question 48

Gender differences in subjective well-being are often thought to be due to all of the following factors except

A) prevalence of widowhood.
B) nursing home attendance rates.
C) rates of chronic illnesses.
D) social network quality.

Question 49

Who is most likely to say, "We must rely on the faith of the people to get us through these hard times"?

A) Davis, who is European American
B) Ahusaka, who is Native American
C) DeMarcus, who is African American
D) Eduardo, who is Mexican American

Question 50

Krause and colleagues (2000) report that the final step in "letting God have it" occurs when someone

A) focuses on how to solve the problem.
B) blames God for all of life's problems.
C) begins focusing on the belief that God will determine the best outcome of life events.
D) knowing what in life can and cannot be changed.

Question 51

According to Krause and colleagues (2000), the first step in the three-step process involved in "turning a problem over to God" involves

A) differentiating things that can be done from those that cannot.
B) focusing on the part of a problem that can be changed.
C) emotionally disconnecting from things that cannot be changed.
D) engaging in prayer in which some bargain or exchange is struck.

Question 52

In general, subjective well-being

A) increases in older age.
B) decreases in older age.
C) increases for older men and decreases for older women.
D) increases for older women and decreases for older men.

Question 53

A pattern of full-time work, retirement, full-time work, another retirement provides a good example of _____ retirement.

A) crisp
B) social convoy
C) skilled
D) blurred

Question 54

When coping with high levels of stress, individuals who rely on spiritual support tend to ____ than those with a small religious commitment.

A) show lower levels of self-esteem
B) demonstrate more discomfort with rigid church dogma
C) report higher states of well-being
D) add to their burden more

Question 55

Native Americans tend to view spiritual elders

A) with disdain.
B) as wisdom-keepers.
C) as gods.
D) with skepticism.

Question 56

How do changes in the amygdala over time impact the regulation of emotion?

A) Younger adults have higher amygdala activation and lower emotional arousal
B) Younger adults have lower amygdala activation and higher emotional arousal
C) Older adults have higher amygdala activation and lower emotional arousal
D) Older adults have lower amygdala activation and lower emotional arousal

Question 57

Which statement on race and spirituality is true?

A) Older African-American women view chronic pain as part of God's plan
B) Older African-American males are virtually uninvolved in church activities
C) European Americans are more committed to their religions than African Americans
D) Religion is a less important resource for European Americans than African Americans

Question 58

How many of the following are part of the definition of spiritual support: seeking pastoral care, expressing faith in a God, participating in organized religious activities?

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Question 59

Higher cognitive ability predicts

A) a better emotional regulation.
B) the acquisition of a social convoy.
C) a better sense of integrity.
D) the development of generativity.

Question 60

After 35 years of college teaching, Dr. Charpentier has just completed his last class. While he has continued to work at the same strenuous pace through the years, he knows that after today he will never again set foot in the classroom. Dr. Charpentier is contemplating a _____ retirement.

A) blurred
B) crisp
C) la fé de la gente
D) repetitive

Question 61

All of these individuals are over 70 years old. Who is most likely to be satisfied with their life?

A) Sergi, who has a close relationships with one of his sons
B) Dimitri, who has close relationships with all six of her children
C) Karl, who has a close relationship with one friend who is not a member of his family
D) Ernst, who has a close relationship with many friends who are not members of his family

Question 62

Gene is about to retire after coaching college basketball for 30 years. He has decided that rather than going "cold turkey" on coaching, he will take a low-paying part-time job as a high school coach to help ease him into retirement. Gene's actions best exemplify

A) a bridge job.
B) integrity.
C) docility.
D) a social convoy.

Question 63

Which statement concerning retirement is true?

A) In recent years, the number of organizations devoted to assisting retirees has declined
B) Participation in leisure activities during retirement tends to result in declines in satisfaction
C) Part-time employment following retirement can be the result of a desire to stay connected to one's former life/career
D) Retiree volunteerism appears to have little positive impact on society

Question 64

_______ are more important in later life, especially for men who have lost male friends through death.

A) Male friendships
B) Cross-sex friendships
C) Female friendships
D) Familial friendships

Question 65

Which is the best example of a "social convoy"?

A) A newly married couple
B) Generation X
C) Several adult lifelong friends
D) A retired individual who plans to move to a community with other retirees

Question 66

Older women have ________ number of friends characterized by _______.

A) a greater; less intimacy
B) a greater; more intimacy
C) a smaller; more intimacy
D) a smaller; less intimacy

Question 67

Social support appears to be most important for individuals from the _____ community.

A) European-American
B) African-American
C) Asian-American
D) Latino-American

Question 68

"Bridge jobs" are most associated with

A) positive life satisfaction.
B) spiritual support.
C) despair.
D) socioemotional selectivity.

Question 69

A "bridge job" is best described as

A) your first part-time job out of high school or college.
B) the highest paying job of your career.
C) a job taken after ending your main career but prior to retirement.
D) a job you take after age 65.

Question 70

Whose behavior best exemplifies a "blurred" retirement process?

A) Ben, who just permanently retired after working 40 straight years at a paper mill
B) Grimm, who has never had an out-of-the-home career and whose workload is not changing significantly
C) Johnny, who retired from a truck-driving job five years ago, then began a career as a commercial fisherman, and is now considering a second retirement
D) Storm, who is unsure as to whether her full-time job as a lawyer is about to end

Question 71

Concerning gender and retirement,

A) women tend to have a financial advantage at retirement.
B) women tend to prepare more fully for retirement.
C) women are more likely to retire if their husbands are already retired.
D) women are less likely to fully retire.

Question 72

Eric has maintained contact with six of his high school friends for the last 60 years. They often get together for activities, to socialize, and to simply spend time together. Eric and his longtime friends would be best described as a(n)

A) zone of maximal performance potential.
B) environmental press.
C) zone of minimal comfort.
D) social convoy.

Question 73

Concerning satisfaction in retirement,

A) no group has been found to show increased levels of satisfaction in retirement.
B) well-being tends to drop significantly during the first year following voluntary retirement.
C) forced retirement is associated with declines in physical and mental health.
D) early-life social challenges are almost always continued in the retirement years, even if you experience positive interactions in middle adulthood.

Question 74

How does a person's activity level typically change after retirement?

A) The number of paid and volunteer hours both increase
B) The number of volunteer hours increases while the paid hours decrease
C) The number of paid hours increases while the volunteer hours decrease
D) The number of paid and volunteer hours both decrease

Question 75

One interesting gender issue concerning satisfaction in retirement is that

A) satisfied retired wives tend to have been influenced to retire by their husbands.
B) traditional gender roles may create difficulties in older retiring males.
C) finances are only important to male retirees.
D) gender issues have no influence on retirement satisfaction.

Question 76

Which term best describes the retirement pattern of most men?

A) Integrity
B) Blurred
C) Crisp
D) Socioemotional security

Question 77

Concerning a partner's decision to retire,

A) only women tend to greatly influence their partner's decision to retire.
B) only men tend to greatly influence their partner's decision to retire.
C) both women and men tend to greatly influence their partner's decision to retire.
D) neither women nor men tend to greatly influence their partner's decision to retire.

Question 78

How does the size of social convoys vary between generations?

A) Young adults have the largest convoys
B) Middle-aged adults have the largest convoys
C) Older adults have the largest convoys
D) Convoy size does not vary by generation

Question 79

In the United States, when compared to men, women are more likely to

A) enter the workforce earlier.
B) spend more time in the workforce.
C) spend less time planning their retirement.
D) have more continuous work histories.

Question 80

In the last few decades, the number of community organizations designed to involve older adults has

A) increased significantly.
B) increased slightly.
C) remained stable.
D) decreased slightly.