Deck 18: Psychosocial Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

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

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

Answer 1

B

Question 2

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 2

B

Question 3

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

Answer 3

D

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 age 60.

Question 7

Janie is 30,has a neurotic personality,and routinely expresses negative emotions.Research would predict that by age 50,Janie will

A) become even more neurotic and negative.
B) adjust her personality and become more extraverted.
C) live longer than her more optimistic friends.
D) remain at about the same level of neuroticism that she exhibits now.

Question 8

Edgar is set in his ways,and refuses to adapt his lifestyle to incorporate the new technology that his children and grandchildren have embraced.Which of the following is TRUE regarding Edgar's personality?

A) Edgar's behavior is atypical; most older adults are relatively flexible.
B) Edgar's behavior is typical, as research has verified that most older adults resist change.
C) Edgar's behavior can be explained exclusively by genetics.
D) Edgar's behavior is more typical of a 20-year-old than a 60-year-old.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

Who was quoted as saying that age and growth are "a contradiction in terms"?

A) Sigmund Freud
B) Erik Erikson
C) Jean Piaget
D) B.F. Skinner

Question 12

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 13

Sophia has an occasional drink with her coworkers,but for the most part leads a healthy lifestyle.She is not considered a risk taker,and usually approaches new situations with some caution.Sophia would be described as

A) neurotic.
B) extraverted.
C) conscientious.
D) introverted.

Question 14

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 15

The virtue gained during Erikson's final stage is

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

Question 16

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

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

Question 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

While looking back on his life,Trent acknowledged that he had made some mistakes,but for the most part was satisfied with what he had accomplished.Erikson would say that Trent has attained

A) purpose.
B) hope.
C) wisdom.
D) acceptance.

Question 21

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 22

Eduardo has a good sense of humor and rarely displays anger or frustration.According to Vaillant,Eduardo has established good

A) adaptive defenses.
B) deniability.
C) subjective perception.
D) nonconscious defense mechanisms.

Question 23

Janine just lost her husband in an automobile accident.Which coping strategy is best suited to deal with this type of loss?

A) Problem-focused
B) Emotion-focused
C) Ambiguous-focused
D) None of these

Question 24

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-aged black people
D) Middle-aged white people

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT associated with religion in older adults?

A) Social support
B) A way to interpret misfortunes
C) Encouragement of healthy lifestyles
D) A sense of entitlement

Question 26

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 27

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 28

Elisabeth is 57 years old.When presented with a difficult situation that is not easily resolved,she is most likely to use

A) problem-focused coping.
B) emotion-focused coping.
C) avoidance coping.
D) engagement coping.

Question 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 frustration.
D) religious faith.

Question 33

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 34

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

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

Question 35

Older adults are more likely than younger adults to engage in

A) problem-focused coping.
B) emotion-focused coping.
C) maintenance coping.
D) All of these

Question 36

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 37

Carlos recognizes that he needs to pass his psychology exam to pass the class.He has decided to start studying a week before the exam.Carlos's decision to study is an example of

A) a primary appraisal.
B) a second appraisal.
C) a tertiary appraisal.
D) None of these

Question 38

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

Question 39

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 40

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 41

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 42

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 43

For the majority of his life,Paul has enjoyed relaxing in front of the television,reading a book,and dining in.Continuity theory would predict

A) Paul will be satisfied in his later years if he lives a similar lifestyle.
B) Paul will be satisfied in his later years if he joins a running club and stays active.
C) Paul will be satisfied in his later years if he withdraws from most of his social circles.
D) There is not enough information to predict Paul's future.

Question 44

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 45

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 46

Productive activity refers to

A) activities that produce consumable goods.
B) activities that are approved by employers.
C) activities that are socially acceptable.
D) activities that enhance some aspect of the self.

Question 47

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 48

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 49

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 50

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.
D) fail at learning new skills needed in the changing workplace.

Question 51

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 52

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 53

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 54

Compared to younger workers,the typical older worker is

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

Question 55

What percentage of people who retire in their 50s and 60s never return to full or part-time work?

A) 20%
B) 40%
C) 60%
D) 80%

Question 56

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 57

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

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

Question 58

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 59

According to your text,disengagement theory

A) was influential.
B) reflects the time it was proposed.
C) does not reflect current trends.
D) All of these

Question 60

In his younger days,Ronald would run in nearly every 5K that was in a 60-mile radius.As he gets older,he only runs one 5K a month.According to the concept of selective optimization with compensation,Ronald is engaging in

A) selecting.
B) optimizing.
C) compensating.
D) All of these

Question 61

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 62

Most older Americans live

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

Question 63

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 64

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 65

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 66

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 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

Since 1959,the proportion of older adults living in poverty

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

Question 69

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) a sense of personal control.
D) whether or not people had a strong social conscience.

Question 70

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

Question 71

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 72

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 73

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 74

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 75

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

A) 38
B) 28
C) 15
D) 8

Question 76

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 77

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 78

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 who is living alone.
C) the depletion of a person's social network.
D) the financial status of the older adult.

Question 79

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 80

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.