Deck 18: Late Adulthood: Social and Emotional Development

Question 1

Selective optimization with compensation helps older people maximize their gains while minimizing their losses.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Depression may be overlooked because its symptoms are masked by physical complaints.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Among older couples, if each partner has a distinct area of expertise, there is an increased likelihood of clashes.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

The term body esteem refers to pride in the appearance and functioning of one's body.

Question 5

Older people's perceived limitation on future time increases their appreciation for life.

Question 6

Adults in the final stage of life should let go of the belief that life is meaningful or worth living.

Question 7

Ego integrity derives from the acceptance of one's life span being limited and occurring at a certain point in the sweep of history.

Question 8

Similarity in personality may work against married couples during middle adulthood.

Question 9

Similarity in personality is more of a contributor to conflict in late adulthood than it is in midlife.

Question 10

Drugs are the most reliable ways to ease the discomforts of older adults.

Question 11

Unlike professional activities, leisure activities contribute little to the self-acceptance of retirees.

Question 12

Successful aging focuses on letting go and accepting one's place in the sweep of history.

Question 13

Research shows that physical activity is associated with a higher mortality rate in late adulthood.

Question 14

The optimistic attitude of successful agers may be derived from transcendence of the ego.

Question 15

People aged 80 and older are significantly more likely to be victimized by violence than people in other age groups.

Question 16

Phobic disorders are characterized by recurrent experiencing of attacks of extreme anxiety in the absence of external stimuli that usually evoke anxiety.

Question 17

Most retirees report that their well-being has decreased a year after they have retired.

Question 18

The physical aspects of aging can force changes in the choice of activities after retirement and diminish the level of satisfaction gotten from them.

Question 19

It is normal for older people to be depressed when their friends and partners are dying.

Question 20

Self-esteem in late adulthood is tied into independence and dependence.

Question 21

Leonora, a 75-year-old woman, has had a legal will prepared. She has bequeathed her life's savings to the charity of her choice. Her physical assets, such as her two homes, will be shared by her two daughters. Leonora's scenario illustrates _____.

A) ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation
B) denial of current decline and the approach of death
C) ego preoccupation and body preoccupation
D) an incoherent and self-contradictory life review

Question 22

Which of the following is a correct statement about life reviews of healthy older adults?

A) They are devoid of comedy, nuances, and complexity.
B) They are typically simple and straightforward.
C) They are sometimes incoherent and self-contradictory.
D) They are characteristically meaningless and ironical.

Question 23

The basic challenge in the crisis of ego integrity versus despair is to:

A) achieve stagnation rather than generativity in middle adulthood.
B) maintain the belief that life is meaningful despite physical decline and the inevitability of death.
C) look back on the events of one's life and construct a meaningful narrative of one's past.
D) hold on to the things and relationships one has accumulated over the years.

Question 24

Steve, a 68-year-old man, quit his medical practice two years ago when he realized his work schedule was taking a toll on his health. He now occasionally lectures in colleges and spends most of his time volunteering at the local church. This example illustrates the concept of _____.

A) mutual withdrawal
B) ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation
C) ego preoccupation versus body preoccupation
D) disengagement

Question 25

In the context of psychosocial theory, Erik Erikson believed that:

A) it is difficult and sometimes unlikely for older adults who engage in life reviews to find ego integrity in late adulthood.
B) older adults who achieved ego transcendence are unlikely to find ego integrity.
C) men are more likely than women to obtain ego integrity.
D) people who achieved generativity in middle adulthood are more likely to obtain ego integrity in late adulthood.

Question 26

The developmental task of body transcendence versus body preoccupation is best described as:

A) transcending death by lending financial support to people.
B) placing more value on cognitive activities and social relationships.
C) preparing to go beyond the physical limitations of one's life.
D) redefining one's identity outside the workplace.

Question 27

According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, which of the following stages of life is associated with late adulthood?

A) Ego integrity versus despair
B) Generativity versus stagnation
C) Intimacy versus isolation
D) Ego identity versus role diffusion

Question 28

Rustom, a 75-year-old man, is preparing to go beyond the physical limitations of his lifespan. He spends time praying at his favorite place of worship. He also helps fellow worshipers in any way he can. This scenario illustrates _____.

A) past-life regression
B) ego transcendence
C) body preoccupation
D) ego regression

Question 29

Which of the following scenarios is best explained by the developmental task of body transcendence versus body preoccupation?

A) Meg, a 51-year-old woman, is obsessed with her looks.
B) Sue, a depressed widow, fails to take care of herself since she lost her husband.
C) James, a robust and active 50-year-old man, is a fitness coach and is quite agile for his age.
D) Jake, a retired schoolteacher, spends more time with his friends since he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 30

Narayan, a 70-year-old man, understands that physical decline and death are inevitable. He has embraced his spirituality and spends his time meditating. He also works with a social welfare group to spread awareness about issues such as air and water pollution. Narayan's scenario illustrates _____.

A) geriatric depression
B) body preoccupation
C) a reminiscent life review
D) ego transcendence

Question 31

According to contemporary researchers, reminiscence in old age:

A) is a normal aspect of aging.
B) is a sign of dementia.
C) results in stagnation rather than generativity.
D) hinders the achievement of ego integrity.

Question 32

Elliott is a 68-year-old grandfather of three young boys. Due to aging, he can no longer play football with them as before. To make up for the losses in physical capabilities, he focuses on helping with their studies. He helps them with math homework and gives ideas for science projects. Elliott's scenario illustrates _____.

A) ego preoccupation and body preoccupation
B) mutual withdrawal between society and aging individual
C) reminiscence as a symptom of dementia in the aging person
D) body transcendence versus body preoccupation

Question 33

Helena, a 70-year-old woman, is going through gradual age-related physical decline. She has accepted these changes as unavoidable. To make up for the losses in physical capabilities, Helena focuses on honing her mental skills. She is reviving her hobby of composing poems and stories for her grandchildren. Helena's scenario illustrates _____.

A) an incoherent and self-contradictory life review
B) ego preoccupation and body preoccupation
C) body transcendence versus body preoccupation
D) withdrawal from society by the aging individual

Question 34

Josephine, a 70-year-old woman, after her retirement, volunteers at a homeless shelter. She divides her time between various charities and her friends and family. These activities keep her occupied and happy. Josephine's scenario illustrates _____.

A) ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation
B) mutual withdrawal between society and aging individual
C) denial of current decline and the approach of death
D) ego preoccupation versus body preoccupation

Question 35

According to research conducted by Monika Ardelt and Michel Ferrari, ego transcendence is characterized by:

A) a denial of the physical limitations of one's life span.
B) a concern for the well-being of humankind in general.
C) a limited value placed on social relationships.
D) an excess of time spent on cognitive activities.

Question 36

The disengagement theory claims that:

A) engaging in physical and social activities help older adults fare better.
B) older people and society mutually withdraw from one another as older people approach death.
C) looking back on the events of one's life in late adulthood hinders the achievement of body transcendence.
D) people who achieved generativity in middle adulthood are more likely to achieve ego integrity.

Question 37

Of Robert Peck's developmental tasks, _____ lays emphasis on coming to terms with inevitable physical decline by placing more value on cognitive activities and social relationships.

A) body transcendence versus body preoccupation
B) body identity versus ego identity
C) ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation
D) ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation

Question 38

Bob is a 70-year-old philanthropist who uses his savings to educate 20 underprivileged girls from his neighborhood. He feels he can make a difference by directing his wealth toward this noble cause. This scenario demonstrates _____.

A) body preoccupation
B) ego transcendence
C) body transcendence
D) ego identity

Question 39

Which of the following is a difference between late adulthood and the phases that come before it?

A) Unlike the previous phases of life, late adulthood focuses on major improvements in memory and cognition.
B) Previous phases of life focus on growth and gains, whereas in late adulthood, people must cope with decline and death.
C) Previous phases of life focus on involuntary relocations, whereas in late adulthood, people must cope with physical growth.
D) Unlike the previous phases of life, late adulthood focuses on major improvements in fitness and strength.

Question 40

In contrast to the _____, the activity theory states that older adults are better adjusted when they are more active and involved in physical and social activities.

A) socioemotional selectivity theory
B) ego integrity theory
C) psychosocial theory
D) disengagement theory

Question 41

When older adults with anxiety disorders are subjected to stress, their levels of _____ rise, and it takes a good deal of time for them to subside.

A) progesterone
B) cortisol
C) estrogen
D) testosterone

Question 42

_____ addresses the development of older adults' social networks.

A) Activity theory
B) Socioemotional selectivity theory
C) Social learning theory
D) Disengagement theory

Question 43

Which of the following statements is true of the social contexts of aging?

A) People aged 80 and older are more likely to be victimized by crime than people in any other age group.
B) Affluent individuals with large amounts of equity in their homes prefer moving to nursing homes rather than remaining in their homes.
C) Older adults are relatively less willing to enter nursing homes when they perceive themselves to be in poor health.
D) Older Americans report that they prefer staying in their homes as long as their physical and mental conditions allow them to do so.

Question 44

Which of the following types of medicines is commonly used to quell anxiety among older adults?

A) Mild tranquilizers
B) Immunosuppressants
C) NSAIDS
D) Antipyretics

Question 45

Which of the following best describes the term body esteem?

A) It is the belief that one should go beyond the physical limitations of one's own life span.
B) It refers to pride in the appearance and functioning of people's bodies.
C) It is the belief that life is meaningful and worthwhile despite emotional decline.
D) It refers to people being unwilling to accept the shortcomings of their bodies.

Question 46

Research on the life-span development of self-esteem suggests that:

A) older men are less accepting of the shortcomings of their bodies than young men are.
B) older women express less body esteem than older men do.
C) the self-esteem of males tends to be higher than that of females.
D) an inflated self-esteem is most often seen in adolescents.

Question 47

Which of the following statements is true of depression in late adulthood?

A) It is indicated and characterized solely by sadness or bereavement.
B) It is more common among older adults than among younger adults.
C) It can be connected with possible structural changes in the brain.
D) It cannot be linked to genetic factors.

Question 48

Identify a reason for older adults to need to consider residing somewhere other than their homes.

A) Plentiful financial resources
B) Increases in property taxes
C) Grown-up children residing nearby
D) Strong ties with the community

Question 49

Inability to bounce back from a state of sadness is a symptom of _____.

A) dementia
B) Crohn's disease
C) Alzheimer's disease
D) depression

Question 50

The socioemotional selectivity theory states that:

A) disengagement from society is the most effective way to meet the challenges of aging.
B) women are less likely than men to accept the inevitability of physical decline and death.
C) older adults tend to increase their social interactions in late adulthood.
D) people place increasing emphasis on emotional experience as they age.

Question 51

Who among the following suffers from a phobic disorder?

A) Beth, who has difficulty falling asleep and wakes up quite often at night
B) Nia, who has a persistent fear of pointed objects for no particular reason
C) Gina, who has trouble reading despite exhibiting normal traits of intelligence
D) Maggie, whose cognitive abilities have dramatically declined from when she was a child

Question 52

Which of the following statements is best supported by activity theory?

A) Individuals place little emphasis on emotional experience as they age.
B) Older adults are better adjusted when they withdraw from society in late adulthood.
C) Informal social activities fail to contribute to life satisfaction among retired people.
D) Physical activity is associated with a lower mortality rate in late adulthood.

Question 53

Which of the following statements is true of generalized anxiety disorder?

A) It may arise from the perception that one lacks control over one's life.
B) It is more common in childhood than in late adulthood.
C) It is characterized by an irrational, exaggerated fear of a specific object or situation.
D) It may be used synonymously with the term panic disorder.

Question 54

Which of the following statements is accurate about depression in older adults?

A) Suicide due to untreated depression is more frequent among older adults than among younger adults.
B) More older adults suffer from depression compared to younger adults.
C) Older women who lose their partners are most likely to commit suicide as a result of depression.
D) Depression in older people cannot usually be treated successfully with the same means that work in younger people.

Question 55

Which of the following statements is true of activity theory?

A) It suggests that physical and social activities in late adulthood are likely to hasten physical and cognitive impairment of older adults.
B) It suggests withdrawal from society as an effective means to handle the challenges of successful aging.
C) It is based on the belief that physical activity is associated with a higher mortality rate in late adulthood.
D) It places many of the barriers to physical and social activities of older adults in social attitudes and in structural matters.

Question 56

_____ is the fear of open, crowded places.

A) Acarophobia
B) Acerophobia
C) Agoraphobia
D) Agraphobia

Question 57

Which of the following statements is true of anxiety disorders?

A) Generalized anxiety disorder tends to be rare in late adulthood.
B) Panic disorder is the most common anxiety disorder observed among older adults.
C) They can be harmful to older people's physical health.
D) They do not coexist with depression.

Question 58

Liz is a 70-year-old woman who has developed an irrational fear of open, crowded places and avoids leaving her home. This fear began after Liz lost her husband. In this scenario, Liz suffers from _____.

A) ergophobia
B) chionophobia
C) agoraphobia
D) algophobia

Question 59

Which of the following options is a reason that older adults limit their social networks to a few family members and friends?

A) They like dealing with difficult social interactions.
B) Older adults are antisocial.
C) They have plenty of time to while away with friends.
D) They do not like to take risks with friendships.

Question 60

Which of the following statements is true of psychological problems in late adulthood?

A) Older women who lose their social networks are more likely to commit suicide due to depression than older men.
B) Depression in older people cannot usually be treated successfully with the same means that work in younger people.
C) Older women are approximately twice as likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than older men.
D) Anxiety disorders are unlikely to coexist with depression.

Question 61

Among older African Americans, how does regular church attendance help contribute to their relative longevity?

A) It imparts a sense of hopefulness and social support.
B) It allows them to avoid the process of selective optimization with compensation.
C) It helps them gradually withdraw from society.
D) It helps them achieve body transcendence rather than ego transcendence.

Question 62

Which of the following statements is true of retirement planning?

A) In married couples, control of retirement plans is unrelated to a partner's workload and income level.
B) Women in same-gender couples who do retirement planning are less likely to do it collaboratively as compared to men in same-gender couples.
C) Men in same-gender couples are more likely than women in same-gender couples to do retirement planning.
D) In married couples, wives more often than husbands tend to be in control of retirement plans.

Question 63

Older adults may be reluctant to relocate to nursing homes because:

A) they afford and prefer live-in nursing staff.
B) close family members usually live near nursing homes.
C) nursing homes signify the loss of independence.
D) they fear exposure to crimes of violence.

Question 64

Men who are widowed are more likely than women to form new relationships with people of the other gender because:

A) women, more so than men, make use of the web of kinship relations.
B) men usually tend to outlive women.
C) men may be more adept than women at various aspects of self-care.
D) women tend to become less social than men as they age.

Question 65

Which of the following is a common complaint by older adult couples?

A) Each partner complains that the other is a workaholic.
B) They complain that they spend too much time together.
C) They disagree over matters relating to finances.
D) They disagree over their views on childrearing.

Question 66

Identify a benefit of regular church attendance among older adults.

A) Availability of communal dining facilities
B) Propagation of cultural myths
C) Emotional and physical intimacy with spouse
D) Avoidance of negative coping methods

Question 67

Neglect of, or harsh behavior toward older adults, particularly in nursing homes is termed _____.

A) elder abuse
B) socioemotional selectivity
C) old-age affluence
D) disengagement behavior

Question 68

Identify a concern for older adults living in urban areas.

A) Cultural traditions and myths
B) Changes in family composition
C) Increased public education costs
D) Exposure to crimes of violence

Question 69

Which of the following statements is true of the influence of religion on older adults?

A) Religious involvement is usually associated with less depression.
B) Older adults who are actively involved in religious activities have less chances of achieving ego transcendence.
C) Active religious involvement reduces the opportunities for social networking.
D) Older African Americans who are regular churchgoers have the same longevity as those who do not attend church.

Question 70

When older adults relocate to residences for the elderly, they tend to:

A) maintain their existing social networks.
B) be open to expanding their social networks.
C) be selective in forming new relationships.
D) experience an increase in self-esteem.

Question 71

Which of the following is the most likely reason for divorce among older adults?

A) Sharing of power and household tasks in the relationship
B) One partner taking up a relationship with an outsider
C) Lack of novelty and adventure in retired life
D) Increased bickering over financial matters

Question 72

Based on research conducted by Shiota and Levenson, middle-aged married couples with differences in conscientiousness and extraversion:

A) are unlikely to handle individual and shared responsibilities well.
B) are likely to be satisfied in their marriages.
C) tend to have more conflicts over division of labor.
D) tend to achieve body transcendence rather than ego transcendence.

Question 73

Older gay men and lesbians in long-term relationships tend to:

A) be less depressed.
B) have lower self-esteem.
C) engage in more alcohol and drug abuse.
D) be less likely to cohabit.

Question 74

Which of the following is an accurate statement about similarity in personality of married couples?

A) It provides a sense of equity in contributing to their relationships.
B) It leads to an increase in the chances of religious involvement among couples.
C) It leads to a decrease in the chances of marital satisfaction.
D) It heightens the risk of conflicts and disagreements.

Question 75

Which of the following takes place when couples reach their 60s?

A) They show less affectionate behavior when they discuss conflicts.
B) They disagree frequently over household chores.
C) They get to spend more time together.
D) They find that they have no concerns about companionship.

Question 76

In the context of relationships between family members, research suggests that both grandparents and adult grandchildren:

A) achieve body transcendence but not ego transcendence.
B) view each other in a negative light owing to their varied perspectives.
C) are unlikely to seek each other for emotional support.
D) tend to see their ties as deep and meaningful.

Question 77

Which of the following statements is true of relationships in late adulthood?

A) Older adults are more likely than younger adults to seek divorce.
B) Older adults show less affectionate behavior than younger adults when they discuss conflicts.
C) Older adults are unlikely to have concerns about emotional intimacy and companionship.
D) Older adults who cohabit are less likely to marry their partners than younger adults who cohabit.

Question 78

Widowhood in late adulthood is associated with:

A) increased levels of stress hormones.
B) a lowered risk of suicide.
C) a higher chance of obtaining ego integrity.
D) decreased mortality.

Question 79

Active religious involvement in late adulthood:

A) reduces opportunities for social interactions.
B) ensures longevity.
C) is linked to life satisfaction.
D) is unlikely to help achieve ego integrity.

Question 80

The average retirement age for individuals:

A) is consistently increasing.
B) is fixed at 60.
C) is determined by the government.
D) has remained the same for several decades.