Question 1

What is the nature of hope? How does it serve to support adaptive functioning? Review the six theories covered up to this point and identify any other constructs that are similar to the idea of prime adaptive ego qualities. What ideas from other theoretical perspectives might account for the emergence of a sense of hope?

Accepted Answer

The nature of hope can be understood as a positive and optimistic outlook on the future, despite facing challenges and adversity. It is the belief that things can improve and that one has the ability to make positive changes in their life. Hope serves to support adaptive functioning by providing individuals with the motivation and resilience to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals. It helps people to cope with stress, maintain a sense of purpose, and persevere in the face of difficulties.

Reviewing the six theories covered up to this point, we can identify several constructs that are similar to the idea of prime adaptive ego qualities. For example, in Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, the concept of ego identity and the ability to successfully navigate the stages of development can be seen as similar to prime adaptive ego qualities. In Carl Rogers' person-centered theory, the idea of self-actualization and the development of a congruent self-concept also align with the notion of prime adaptive ego qualities.

Other theoretical perspectives that might account for the emergence of a sense of hope include positive psychology, which emphasizes the importance of positive emotions, strengths, and virtues in promoting well-being. From a cognitive-behavioral perspective, the development of hope can be linked to the individual's cognitive appraisal of their experiences and their ability to reframe negative thoughts into more positive and adaptive beliefs. Additionally, existential psychology explores the role of hope in finding meaning and purpose in life, especially in the face of existential challenges and uncertainties.

Overall, the emergence of a sense of hope can be influenced by a combination of individual, social, and environmental factors, as well as the interplay of various psychological theories and perspectives. Hope is a fundamental aspect of human resilience and adaptive functioning, and understanding its nature and origins can provide valuable insights for promoting well-being and personal growth.

Question 2

Among college students, those with higher levels of hopefulness are also __________?

Accepted Answer

A)   more likely to graduate from college
B)   more focused on their goals
C)   better able to identify several different paths toward their goals
D)   all of the above D

Question 3

Which of the following identity statuses is viewed as the most mature?

Accepted Answer

A)   foreclosure
B)   moratorium
C)   achievement
D)   diffusion C

Question 4

Which of the following reflects a new direction in the conceptualization of psychosocial stages in the life span?

Accepted Answer

A)   consideration of the prenatal period as a product of the interaction of the biological, psychological, and societal systems
B)   division of adolescence into two stages, reflecting the prolonged process of socialization and maturation required for entry into adulthood
C)   the addition of a period of elderhood, reflecting changes in longevity and active engagement in later life
D)   all of the above

Question 5

Which of the following terms refers to the way that the person takes in or makes sense of cultural expectations and undergoes adaptive modifications of the self as the psychosocial crisis is resolved?

Accepted Answer

A)   core pathology
B)   central process
C)   collective efficacy
D)   archetypal wisdoms

Question 6

Developmental tasks can be viewed as _________________?

Accepted Answer

A)   the physical challenges in a stage of development
B)   the unfolding of the epigenetic principle
C)   skills and competencies that lead to increased mastery of the environment
D)   assessments that determine stages of a person's development

Question 7

What is the basic mechanism that accounts for growth in psychosocial theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   resolution of the psychosocial crisis
B)   the prime adaptive ego qualities
C)   revisitation of earlier crises
D)   role strain

Question 8

Which of the following is considered to be a strength of psychosocial theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   explanations about the mechanisms for resolving crises and moving from one stage to the next have been translated into valid measures
B)   the emphasis on ego development and ego processes provides insight into the directions of healthy development throughout life
C)   the focus and number of life stages have been shown to be identical across all cultures
D)   at each stage, the people who comprise the radius of significant relationships is specified

Question 9

Compare and contrast psychosocial theory with psychoanalytic theory and social role theory. What are some ideas that are common to these three? What are some salient distinctions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast psychosocial theory with psychoanalytic...

Question 10

One of the most well-researched concepts from psychosocial theory is the idea of personal identity. Identity status has been assessed on the basis of which two criteria?

Accepted Answer

A)   crisis and commitment
B)   hope and despair
C)   worldview and role adaptation
D)   autonomy and dependence

Question 11

Which of the following terms refers to the tension that is experienced as a person strives to adjust to societal demands at each life stage of development?

Accepted Answer

A)   psychosocial crisis
B)   radius of significant relationships
C)   epigenetic principle
D)   sensitive period

Question 12

A positive resolution of the psychosocial crisis of trust vs mistrust leads to the establishment of the prime adaptive ego quality of ___________?

Accepted Answer

A)   persistence
B)   willfulness
C)   hope
D)   wisdom

Question 13

Psychosocial evolution is best described as ____________?

Accepted Answer

A)   gathering knowledge from ancestors and passing it to future generations
B)   strengthening groups of people through selective breeding
C)   transmitting biochemical information through the mechanisms of genetics
D)   the evolving nature of genetic counseling

Question 14

Explain the idea of identity status as a combination of crisis or questioning and commitment. What are the identity statuses that emerge from this conceptualization? How is identity similar or different from the idea of ego? Describe the interaction of person and environment that is implicated in the emergence of a personal identity.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the idea of identity status as...

Question 15

Which of the following is considered a function of the core pathologies?

Accepted Answer

A)   provide new resources for coping with the next psychosocial crisis
B)   protect the person from unwanted interaction with the societal system
C)   provide new information
D)   promote an optimistic worldview

Question 16

Explain the concept of psychosocial crisis. What are some unique contributions of this idea to the study of development? What are some adaptive features of the negative poles of these crises?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the concept of psychosocial crisis. What...

Question 17

Which of the following statements about psychosocial stages is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)   once a stage is passed, the achievements of that period are never challenged again
B)   at each stage, one struggles with one, and only one, major developmental issue
C)   the way one perceives and experiences life varies qualitatively from stage to stage
D)   once a stage is passed, the achievements of earlier stages are no longer relevant

Question 18

Which of the following statements about developmental tasks is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

A)   a relatively small number of major developmental tasks dominate a person's problem-solving efforts and learning during a given stage
B)   a concept that bridges the individual and the society, assuming an active learner who is interacting with an active social environment
C)   people are equally ready to learn developmental tasks at each stage of life
D)   both A and B

Question 19

What is a characteristic of a "good" formal theory?

Accepted Answer

A)   it is logical and internally consistent
B)   it is unrelated to previous research
C)   it is focused on a relatively narrow, specific subject area
D)   it includes contradictory statements that can be tested

Exam 8: Psychosocial Theory