Deck 18: Psychosocial Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

When 80-year-old Monty is asked about his life,he states that he knows he has lived life as well as he could and that he loves his deceased parents despite all their faults.According to Erikson,Monty seems to have the virtue of

A)hope.
B)wisdom.
C)trust.
D)integrity.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

According to the text,who would likely have the most flexible coping strategy?

A)An adolescent
B)An elderly adult
C)A middle-aged adult
D)A young adult

Answer 2

B

Question 3

A longitudinal study of older adults demonstrated that negative emotions such as boredom,loneliness,and unhappiness

A)increased after age 60.
B)increased after age 70.
C)decreased after age 60.
D)decreased in women after 60.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

According to Erikson,persons in late adulthood are in the crisis of

A)ego integrity versus despair.
B)identity versus identity confusion.
C)generativity versus stagnation.
D)intimacy versus isolation.

Question 5

In the Vaillant Study,an important factor in predicting the best psychosocial adjustment in old age included all of the following EXCEPT

A)altruism.
B)humor.
C)sublimation.
D)denial.

Question 6

David has had trouble getting into his apartment building because the steps are too steep.He makes several complaints to the owner of the building until finally the owner installs a ramp,making entry easier.Which style of coping did David employ?

A)Congruence
B)Emotion-focused
C)Palliative
D)Problem-focused

Question 7

June is 75 years old and is examining her life in order to accept her approaching death.She is at which of Erikson's stages?

A)Ego integrity versus despair
B)Identity versus identity confusion
C)Generativity versus stagnation
D)Intimacy versus isolation

Question 8

Although there is a common belief that older adults tend to be depressed,research suggests that

A)only older women are depressed.
B)older adults grow more content and satisfied.
C)older adults,because of illness,are indeed more depressed.
D)older men are depressed if they retire.

Question 9

All of the following are examples of what Pauline Boss calls an ambiguous loss EXCEPT

A)the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer's disease.
B)the loss of a child to drug addition.
C)the loss of a homeland.
D)the loss of a child by auto accident.

Question 10

According to Erikson,wisdom includes acceptance of all of the following EXCEPT

A)imperfections in one's parents.
B)imperfections in oneself.
C)dependency on your children.
D)death.

Question 11

According to Erikson's theory,

A)people who successfully resolve the final crisis will not experience despair.
B)people who successfully resolve the final crisis can overcome despair.
C)despair is a sign of mental illness.
D)despair leads to a loss of ego strength.

Question 12

Older adults who are overanxious and restless and who seem to complain and have negative affect are likely to have

A)introverted personalities.
B)extroverted personalities.
C)neurotic personalities.
D)dementia.

Question 13

The process of adapting to harmful,threatening,or challenging conditions is referred to as

A)disengagement.
B)decentering.
C)coping.
D)elaboration.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE about the use of emotion-focused coping in adulthood?

A)Older adults use it more often than younger adults.
B)Older adults gradually become unable to use this coping strategy.
C)Older and younger adults use this strategy equally often.
D)Younger adults tend to use it in nonemotional situations.

Question 15

Delores wishes she could see her grandchildren more often,but they live on the other side of the country.To help herself feel better,Delores volunteers at a daycare center so she can be around small children.Which style of coping is Delores using?

A)Problem-focused
B)Emotion-focused
C)Regenerative-focused
D)Decentering-focused

Question 16

The virtue gained during Erikson's final stage is

A)hope.
B)trust.
C)love.
D)wisdom.

Question 17

Those older adults who reported higher levels of positive emotion and retained their positivity were those

A)that had introverted personalities.
B)that were considered to be extroverts.
C)who were neurotic.
D)who grew increasingly inflexible.

Question 18

In a recent study of ways in which older people cope with stressful events,the three most frequently reported coping strategies included all of the following EXCEPT

A)keeping busy.
B)accepting situations that cannot be changed.
C)outward expressions of anger and frustration.
D)religious faith.

Question 19

The ability to adapt thinking and behavior to reduce or relieve stress that arises from harmful,threatening,and challenging conditions is referred to as

A)wisdom.
B)integrity.
C)generativity.
D)coping.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about the stability of personality in old age is TRUE?

A)Individuals from more recent cohorts show more flexibility in old age than people from previous generations.
B)In old age,the only trait that shows much change is the level of depression.
C)Most older adults show large increases in personality flexibility between the ages of 60 and 80.
D)Personality shows a high degree of rigidity after age 65.

Question 21

Cathy,after retiring from teaching school,rechanneled her energy into serving on the boards of directors for both a senior center and a historical foundation.She also volunteered for "meals on wheels." Which theory of successful aging does she appear to be following?

A)Activity theory
B)Disengagement theory
C)Compensation theory
D)Integrity theory

Question 22

Successful or optimal aging has been measured using all of the following criteria EXCEPT

A)cardiovascular functioning and cognitive performance.
B)productivity and longevity.
C)degree of personal control retained in old age.
D)number of family and friendship relationships.

Question 23

According to the _______________ theory,the normal way to age is to cut down in activities and commitments to others and to become increasingly preoccupied with the self.

A)activity
B)disengagement
C)compensation
D)integrity

Question 24

According to Carstensen's socioemotional selectivity theory,which is the most important psychological function of social interaction in old age?

A)Information seeking
B)Emotional support
C)Breaking up social convoys
D)Increasing novelty

Question 25

Which theory of successful aging suggests that older adults should continue to do what they have been doing as long as they find that activity satisfying?

A)Activity theory
B)Continuity theory
C)Disengagement theory
D)Engagement theory

Question 26

According to Atchley's continuity theory,the most desirable pattern of development in later life is for older people to

A)ignore the past and only look forward in life.
B)change their external structures but keep their internal structures unchanged.
C)welcome some change but maintain links with the past.
D)try to experience as little change as possible in order to maximize contentment.

Question 27

A noted gerontologist is giving a lecture titled "How to Age Successfully." Which of the following suggestions is the audience LEAST likely to hear?

A)Participate in hobbies,especially ones that help you engage with others.
B)Limit your involvement with your grandchildren.
C)Get plenty of physical exercise.
D)Do some volunteer work in your community.

Question 28

Which of the following is TRUE about the coping method of selective optimization and compensation?

A)Its success depends on having goals to guide development and resources to make the goals potentially achievable.
B)Implementation is aided by a lack of availability of coping skills.
C)Successful use of this strategy depends on maintaining contact with younger people.
D)It describes what occurs when the aging brain fails to compensate for losses in certain areas.

Question 29

Which of the following choices about working is available to older adults?

A)Early retirement
B)Retiring from one career to start another
C)Working part-time
D)All of these

Question 30

Compared to younger workers,the typical older worker is

A)less dependable.
B)more careless.
C)more responsible.
D)All of these

Question 31

According to the research of Carstensen,what is "the most reliable finding in social gerontology"?

A)Older people become less accepting of the deaths of friends and family.
B)Older people prefer to disengage from active work roles.
C)Older people tend to reduce their social contacts.
D)Older people wish they could relive their lives.

Question 32

Dan,age 78,has reduced his social commitments,is slowing down,and is focusing on his own needs.He is aging successfully,according to the _______________ theory.

A)integrity
B)compensation
C)activity
D)disengagement

Question 33

Which of the following statements about older workers is FALSE?

A)They have more experience than younger workers.
B)They are absent from work less than younger workers.
C)They work at a faster rate than younger workers.
D)They are more loyal than younger workers.

Question 34

According to research cited in the text,which of the following Americans is most likely to show a strong correlation between religious activity and well-being?

A)Elderly black people
B)Elderly white people
C)Middle-age black people
D)Middle-age white people

Question 35

Which theory holds that people age most successfully by remaining involved in as many roles as possible and finding substitutes for lost roles?

A)Activity theory
B)Disengagement theory
C)Compensation theory
D)Integrity theory

Question 36

A study that analyzed styles of aging found all of the following EXCEPT

A)it is possible to identify a single "best" pattern for successful aging.
B)most older people who have aged successfully remained active.
C)less active lifestyles are also associated with successful aging.
D)different personality types react to aging in a variety of ways.

Question 37

The concept of retirement became widespread during

A)the early 20th century.
B)the last 20 years.
C)the 1950s.
D)the early 19th century.

Question 38

The question of whether people are well because they are active in late adulthood or active because they are well is a constant focus in studying the______ theory.

A)disengagement
B)continuity
C)activity
D)productivity

Question 39

Primarily because of the Social Security system,retirement at age _____ eventually became almost universal.

A)55
B)60
C)65
D)70

Question 40

Which of the following is the most crucial lifestyle decision people make as they approach late adulthood?

A)Where to live
B)Whether and when to retire
C)When to give up driving
D)What to do with leisure time

Question 41

Since the turn of the century,the participation of older men in the workforce of the United States has __________,and the participation of older women has __________.

A)decreased;decreased
B)increased;increased
C)increased;decreased
D)decreased;increased

Question 42

Key predictors of positive morale after retirement for both men and women include

A)whether or not people experience a loss of balance and muscle strength.
B)people's sense of physical attractiveness before retirement.
C)workers' satisfaction in their jobs before retirement.
D)whether or not people had a strong social conscience.

Question 43

Ellen,who is recently retired from her job as a nurse,now devotes most of her time to making furniture,something she has always wanted to do.Ellen is exhibiting a ________________ retirement lifestyle.

A)family-focused
B)balanced investment
C)serious leisure
D)delay of gratification

Question 44

A pattern of retirement activity that is found in well-educated older adults who seem to allocate their time equally among family,work,and leisure is referred to as a_____ lifestyle.

A)family-focused
B)serious leisure
C)balanced investment
D)work-focused

Question 45

Most older adults in industrialized countries prefer

A)to stay with their children.
B)to stay in an independent living facility.
C)to stay with relatives.
D)to stay in their own homes.

Question 46

Most older Americans live

A)with a spouse,children,or other relatives.
B)with nonrelatives.
C)alone.
D)in institutions.

Question 47

The single largest source of income for older people in the United States is

A)pensions.
B)savings and other assets.
C)Social Security.
D)earnings from work.

Question 48

In a study commissioned by the U.S.Congress,findings about older workers demonstrated that

A)physical fitness and health decrease steadily after 60.
B)there are huge health differences between age groups.
C)tests of specific abilities predict job performance better than age.
D)risks to workers will increase when the age for Social Security benefits increases.

Question 49

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (1986)protects most workers age _____ and older from being denied a job,fired,paid less,or forced to retire because of age.

A)40
B)50
C)60
D)70

Question 50

What proportion of older Americans receives Social Security benefits?

A)6 out of 10
B)7 out of 10
C)8 out of 10
D)9 out of 10

Question 51

According to the text,volunteer work among older adults

A)increases their anxiety about retirement.
B)is not tied to well-being during retirement.
C)is tied to well-being about retirement.
D)is important for older adult men but not older adult women.

Question 52

Dan and Diane are retirees who spend much of their time visiting family and friends,watching television,and going to inexpensive restaurants with friends.According to the text,Dan and Diane exhibit a _______________ retirement lifestyle.

A)balanced investment
B)family-focused
C)serious leisure
D)compassionate

Question 53

The Plitton Company tries hard to hire people who are close to retirement age,because their experience with older workers has taught them that all of the following are true about older workers EXCEPT

A)they work more slowly,but are more accurate.
B)older workers are frugal with both time and materials.
C)they are eager to make new friends and join in company social events.
D)they display more careful,dependable,and responsible work habits.

Question 54

Which living arrangement is most desired by the majority of elderly Americans?

A)Congregate housing
B)Retirement community
C)Assisted-living facility
D)Aging in place

Question 55

According to a study cited in the textbook,the most powerful predictor of satisfaction in retirement was the size of a retiree's

A)economic resources.
B)personal resources.
C)social support network.
D)All of these

Question 56

Older women in the United States are

A)less likely to live alone.
B)more likely to live alone.
C)more likely to be upper income.
D)less likely to end up in institutional care facilities.

Question 57

Since 1959,the proportion of older adults living in poverty

A)increased slightly.
B)stayed the same.
C)increased markedly.
D)fell somewhat.

Question 58

Statistically,which of the following groups of Americans is most likely to be poor in late adulthood?

A)White men
B)Black women
C)Married couples
D)Skilled workers

Question 59

What is the single most important factor that enables older adults to live in their own homes instead of in institutions?

A)Having adequate income
B)Being in good health
C)Being married
D)Makeup of the neighborhood

Question 60

Older adult workers have been found to

A)lack the coping skills necessary to deal with the public.
B)have serious health problems that interfere with their productivity.
C)be better educated than those who retire,as well as to say they are in good health.
D)fail at learning new skills needed in the changing workplace.

Question 61

Clara has recently lost her spouse.To help her maintain satisfaction in life after this trauma,it is very important that Clara's family and friends provide

A)financial support.
B)a home.
C)emotional support.
D)All of these

Question 62

Approximately what percentage of Americans over 85 years old lives in nursing homes?

A)38
B)28
C)18
D)8

Question 63

U.S.women ages 65 and over are _______________________ of the same age to be widowed.

A)less likely than men
B)more likely than men
C)similar to
D)there is no clear evidence

Question 64

Which of the following cultures demonstrates a lineal,or intergenerational obligation,with power and authority lodged in the older generations?

A)Americans
B)African Americans
C)Hispanic Americans
D)Native Americans

Question 65

All of the following features would be desirable in a nursing home EXCEPT

A)privacy for social activity.
B)a hospital-like atmosphere.
C)opportunities for socialization.
D)a full range of social and therapeutic services.

Question 66

According to Carstensen,who would most likely want to get to know new and interesting people?

A)An older person who is near the end of his life
B)A young adult in good health
C)A young adult with a terminal illness
D)An infant

Question 67

Close friends and family members upon whom older people can rely for social support and well-being are called

A)integrated associates.
B)inner-circles.
C)primary supports.
D)social convoys.

Question 68

Men tend to be more ______ in late-life remarriages than in midlife remarriages.

A)unhappy
B)satisfied
C)resolved
D)None of these

Question 69

According to research cited in the text,couples who are still together in late adulthood are

A)more likely than young couples to find their marriages satisfying.
B)more likely than middle-aged couples to find their marriage satisfying.
C)Both of these
D)Neither of these

Question 70

One of the reasons that older adults do not want to be absorbed into their children's households is

A)they will be older than everyone else in the household.
B)they will be isolated from their friends.
C)they will feel very helpful and family won't feel like an intrusion.
D)they are tired of being independent and welcome others' assistance.

Question 71

What percent of U.S.men and women 65 years of age and older have never married?

A)2
B)4
C)6
D)8

Question 72

The older adults most likely to be institutionalized are those who

A)enjoy taking part in social activities with others their own age.
B)have good health and want to spend time in varied activities.
C)have overburdened their busy families with their poor health and disabilities.
D)want independence from their families.

Question 73

Which of the following elements is MOST important in a good nursing home?

A)Separation of men and women for privacy
B)Opportunity for residents to make decisions
C)Having a large number of nursing aides
D)Social activities

Question 74

All of the following reasons have been cited to explain the growth of elderly single-person households EXCEPT

A)increased old-age benefits.
B)decreased old-age benefits that make assisted living unaffordable.
C)increased home ownership.
D)more availability of community support.

Question 75

Families seem to make the assumption that when older adults live alone they are lonely,but other factors also play a significant role in whether or not a loved one will be vulnerable to loneliness.They include all of the following EXCEPT

A)personality traits of the older adult.
B)the physical health of the person that is living alone.
C)the depletion of a person's social network.
D)the financial status of the older adult.

Question 76

All of the following are likely reasons why marital satisfaction of couples who are still together in late adulthood is greater than satisfaction of middle-aged couples EXCEPT

A)since divorce is relatively easy today,people who are still together have usually chosen to be together.
B)they have had more time to work out their difficulties.
C)they are less happy with other aspects of life and thus look to marriage to satisfy their needs.
D)they may need to justify having remained married so long.

Question 77

African Americans and Irish Americans,whose cultures have been marked by poverty,have household structures that are highly flexible.These structures are referred to as

A)lineal.
B)intergenerational.
C)collateral.
D)low-income.

Question 78

Generalizing from the textbook,it could be concluded that in comparison with older people who have been married,"never marrieds" are more likely to be

A)lonely.
B)independent.
C)negatively affected by aging.
D)dissatisfied with life.

Question 79

Now that multigenerational families are beginning to span five generations,many of the "over 60" family members

A)find themselves lonely and lack social contacts.
B)are caregivers to parents for a longer time than they cared for their children.
C)find roles within the family unit that make them feel valuable.
D)have the ultimate retirement situation,with independence and a close family to enjoy.

Question 80

What is the fastest-growing form of housing for the elderly in the United States?

A)Retirement hotel
B)Congregate housing
C)Retirement community
D)Assisted-living facility