Question 1

Which statement about generativity and stagnation is true?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that among well-educated women, those with children express greater generative concerns, such as feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility for future generations. Option A is not completely accurate as childless men do score higher in generativity, but not necessarily lower in stagnation. Option C may be true, but it is not a universal truth for all low-SES fathers with troubled pasts. Option D is false as stagnation is associated with a lack of involvement in political activities.

Question 2

Which middle-aged man is likely to be highly sensitive about the physical changes of aging?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 3

The negative outcome of Erikson's midlife stage,stagnation,focuses on __________.

Accepted Answer

Stagnation in Erikson's midlife stage refers to feeling unproductive and lacking purpose, which can lead to self-indulgence and lack of concern for others. This can include prioritizing one's own comfort and pleasure over responsibilities and relationships. Role confusion, selflessness, and guilt and shame are not the primary focus of this stage.

Question 4

When asked to relate her life story,50-year-old Carlita told about how she was bullied in high school as an overweight teen.After dieting routinely for many years,she finally lost 65 pounds in her thirties.Carlita noted that she received a lot of encouragement and numerous compliments,but she could not overcome her low self-esteem.Carlita's life story includes a theme of __________.

Accepted Answer

Carlita's story includes a theme of contamination because, despite her weight loss and the positive feedback she received, her low self-esteem persisted, indicating that the positive experiences were overshadowed or "contaminated" by her ongoing negative self-perception.

Question 5

According to Levinson,middle adulthood begins with a __________.

Accepted Answer

Levinson's theory of adult development proposes that middle adulthood (ages 40-65) begins with a transitional period, which is characterized by a reassessment of one's life and goals. This transition typically involves a shift away from the roles and responsibilities of early adulthood and a greater focus on one's personal identity and legacy. Therefore, choice A, transitional period is the best answer.

Question 6

Betty just celebrated her fiftieth birthday.She marked the occasion by taking hang-gliding lessons and purchasing a more mature wardrobe.According to Levinson,Betty is engaged in which developmental task?

Accepted Answer

Levinson's theory of adult development includes four major developmental tasks, one of which is the young-old task. This task involves finding new ways to relate to both the younger and older generations, and it often occurs in middle adulthood, which is the stage of life that Betty is currently experiencing. Betty's interest in hang-gliding and her choice to purchase a more mature wardrobe suggest that she is exploring new ways to connect with younger people as well as finding ways to embrace her own aging process.

Question 7

Which parent is most likely to be generative?

Accepted Answer

Generativity involves a concern for others and a desire to contribute to society. Authoritative parenting style prioritizes the well-being and development of children, encourages independence and responsibility, and seeks to foster positive relationships. This type of parenting is more likely to lead to generativity than authoritarian or uninvolved parenting styles. Permissive parenting may also not promote generativity as it can result in children who lack self-discipline and may struggle with taking responsibility.

Question 8

In Levinson's engagement-separateness task,men and women with successful careers may __________.

Accepted Answer

According to Levinson's theory, during the engagement-separateness task, individuals who have achieved success in their careers may begin to reduce their concern with achievement and focus more on personal development and relationships. This means that choice B, "reduce their concern with achievement," would be the best answer. Choice A, "focus on ways they have acted destructively," is not necessarily a common response to this task. Choice C, "give up certain youthful qualities," may occur during other stages of Levinson's theory but is not directly related to the engagement-separateness task. Choice D, "sustain a youthful subjective age," is also not directly related to this task.

Question 9

Darlene,who spent her early adulthood devoted to child rearing,is engaged in Levinson's engagement-separation task.Consequently,Darlene will probably focus on __________.

Accepted Answer

Levinson's engagement-separation task involves a period of reevaluating one's life and pursuing long-desired ambitions, as the individual begins to transition from midlife to later life. Given that Darlene devoted her early adulthood to child-rearing, it is likely that she has postponed pursuing certain aspirations until later in life. Therefore, she will probably focus on pursuing a long-desired ambition during this stage.

Question 10

Narratives of highly generative people __________.

Accepted Answer

Commitment stories are often present in narratives of highly generative people, indicating their dedication to important causes or relationships. Themes of contamination and stories where good scenes turn bad may be present, but negative life events can also be included in these narratives.

Question 11

Marcus,age 53,is spending a lot of time caring for his young grandson.His subordinates at work have noticed that he has become a kinder,more compassionate boss.According to Levinson,Marcus is engaged in which developmental task?

Accepted Answer

Marcus is balancing masculinity-femininity by becoming more nurturing and compassionate, traits traditionally associated with femininity.

Question 12

Childless middle-aged adults __________.

Accepted Answer

Childless middle-aged adults can still find ways to express their generativity through mentoring, volunteering and engaging in meaningful family relationships. They can still make contributions to society and leave a positive impact on future generations. Therefore, they are likely to become generative rather than stagnant.

Question 13

Especially in individualistic societies,__________ may help preserve generative commitments.

Accepted Answer

Belonging to a religious community may help preserve generative commitments in individualistic societies as it provides individuals with a sense of community and shared values that can support their commitment to serving others and contributing to society.

Question 14

Martin,age 47,is single and has no children.Which of Martin's activities reflects generativity?

Accepted Answer

Generativity involves a concern for future generations and making a positive impact on society. Volunteering as a coach and mentor to young boys at the YMCA reflects this kind of generativity. A, B, and D are all self-focused activities and do not have a strong connection to generativity.

Question 15

Adults with a sense of stagnation may express their self-absorption through __________.

Accepted Answer

Adults with a sense of stagnation may lack motivation and interest in being productive at work, which can lead to self-absorption and a focus on their own needs and desires rather than contributing to society or others. They may feel stuck and unfulfilled in their careers and personal lives. Choices A, C, and D suggest a focus on others, which is not consistent with a sense of stagnation and self-absorption.

Question 16

Highly generative people appear especially __________.

Accepted Answer

The passage states that highly generative people "tend to be well-adjusted, emotionally stable, autonomous, and open to new experiences." Therefore, option D is the best choice. Options A, B, and C are all contradicted by the passage.

Question 17

As Angelo approaches age 50,he feels increasingly disheartened about his poor relationship with his two sons.At work,he volunteers to mentor a young new hire about the age of his oldest boy.According to Levinson,Angelo is confronting which developmental task?

Accepted Answer

Levinson's theory of adult development includes a stage called "destruction-creation," where individuals reflect on past actions that may have been harmful or destructive and seek to balance these with creative or positive contributions. Angelo's effort to mentor a young person, as a way to make a positive impact in light of his regrets about his relationship with his sons, aligns with the "destruction-creation" task.

Question 18

Which statement is true about people who flexibly modify their identities in response to age-related changes yet maintain a sense of self-continuity?

Accepted Answer

People who are able to flexibly modify their identities in response to age-related changes yet maintain a sense of self-continuity exhibit positive psychological functioning, such as higher self-esteem and self-worth.

Answer: B 
 This statement is false. People who maintain a sense of self-continuity despite age-related changes tend to have higher life satisfaction.

Answer: C 
 This statement is false. While personality may evolve and change over the lifespan, stable core traits tend to persist.

Answer: D 
 This statement is false. People who maintain a sense of self-continuity tend to have a strong sense of self-awareness and self-knowledge.

Question 19

__________ is associated with favorable personality traits and adjustment.

Accepted Answer

Androgyny, which refers to possessing both traditionally masculine and feminine traits, has been associated with better mental health, lower levels of anxiety and depression, better social skills, and greater adaptability to different situations. It allows individuals to be more flexible in their behavior and attitudes, which can lead to better outcomes in various domains of life.

Question 20

Jennifer,age 45,is a Girl Scout leader.She really enjoys giving to and guiding the next generation.According to Erikson,Jennifer has developed a sense of __________.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, middle adulthood is characterized by the conflict of generativity versus stagnation. Generativity refers to the desire to give back to the next generation and contribute to society, which aligns with Jennifer's enjoyment of guiding the Girl Scouts.

Quiz 16: Emotional and Social Development in Middle Adulthood