Question 1

For women in many cultures during midlife, there is a rise in __________.

Accepted Answer

Many women in midlife experience a sense of freedom and authority as their children grow older and become more independent. There is also often a focus on personal well-being, pursuing interests and hobbies, and establishing their own identity outside of traditional roles as caregivers or nurturers. While there may still be family responsibilities, this is not the primary focus of midlife for many women. Depression and isolation can occur, but these are not universal experiences. Frustrations and suicidal thoughts are not common in midlife for most women.

Question 2

Middle-aged Japanese women often describe their current time of life with words such as __________.

Accepted Answer

Middle-aged Japanese women often use words such as "jishuku" and "yoyuu" which translate to boldness, nerve, and confidence. These women often feel empowered to take on new challenges and pursue their passions during this time of life.

Question 3

In addition to becoming a grandparent, or mentor, what does recent research suggest is another indication of generativity?

Accepted Answer

Recent research suggests that getting involved with a community organization that seeks to change the world for the better is another indication of generativity. This shows a concern for the well-being of future generations and a desire to make a positive impact on society. The other options (having additional biological children, starting a new career that requires an advanced degree, and learning to play an instrument you always wanted to play) do not necessarily indicate generativity.

Question 4

A national study of more than 3,000 Americans ages 25 through 72 (Brim, 1999) found that those in midlife (ages 40 to 60) were __________.

Accepted Answer

The study found that individuals in midlife were not more likely to experience a crisis than at other ages and were less likely to be nervous than younger adults.

Question 5

What does generativity in midlife predict?

Accepted Answer

Generativity in midlife, which refers to demonstrating a commitment to family, work, and community, has been linked with better health outcomes in late adulthood, including reduced risks of chronic diseases, improved cognitive function, and longer life expectancy. However, generativity is not directly linked with sexual satisfaction, financial well-being, or cognitive sharpness.

Question 6

What percentage of men in midlife did Daniel Levinson (1978) find had feelings of meaninglessness, turmoil, and confusion; dissatisfaction and disappointment with work and family life; and fear of aging and death?

Accepted Answer

Levinson's research found that about 80% of men in midlife experienced a crisis, but approximately 75% of men reported feelings of turmoil and confusion, indicating a significant portion of men undergo a period of questioning and reassessment during midlife.

Question 7

According to Erikson, which of the following is the major crisis for middle adulthood?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson, the major crisis for middle adulthood is generativity versus stagnation. This stage is characterized by the challenge of finding meaningful ways to contribute to society and the next generation, or feeling stuck and experiencing a sense of stagnation or lack of purpose. Trust versus mistrust is the crisis in infancy, identity versus confusion in adolescence, and integrity versus despair in late adulthood.

Question 8

From an Eriksonian perspective, the desire to "live on" after we have died and to help those younger than ourselves so that the effects of our time on earth will be evident when we are gone best describes the psychosocial crisis of __________.

Accepted Answer

The desire to leave a positive impact on future generations and find meaning in contributing to society is characteristic of the generativity versus stagnation stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory. This stage typically occurs during middle adulthood, and involves a focus on nurturing and guiding the next generation while also finding fulfillment in one's own achievements and sense of purpose. The other answer choices - trust versus mistrust, identity versus confusion, and integrity versus despair - are associated with different stages of development in Erikson's model.

Question 9

According to Indian culture, what is prauda?

Accepted Answer

Prauda in Indian culture refers to the stage of mature adulthood, marking a period of responsibility and wisdom.

Question 10

Erik Erikson term for the concept that an individual possesses the motivation to contribute to the well-being of the generations to come is __________.

Accepted Answer

Generativity refers to the desire to produce something that can contribute to the welfare of future generations, such as raising children or creating works of art. This concept is a key part of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. Stagnation, on the other hand, refers to a sense of feeling stuck or unproductive, while industry refers to the sense of competence and accomplishment that comes from being productive and mastering new skills. Integrity relates to a sense of wholeness and completeness that comes from looking back on one's life with a sense of satisfaction and meaning.

Question 11

What is a major criticism of Daniel Levinson's (1978) work that found midlife men had feelings of meaninglessness, turmoil and confusion, dissatisfaction and disappointment with work and family life, and fear of aging and death?

Accepted Answer

Generalizing results from a study of only 40 men may not be representative of all midlife men and therefore may not be scientifically sound.

Question 12

According to Buddhist philosophy, being involved in __________ is a way to remove one's self from the demands of everyday life while cultivating personal discipline and escaping the world of desire.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Buddhist philosophy, being involved in...

Question 13

Who coined the term "midlife crisis" and considered it a part of normal psychological development?

Accepted Answer

Carl Jung is credited with coining the term "midlife crisis" and considered it a part of normal psychological development, focusing on the period of life where individuals confront their limitations and mortality.

Question 14

As discussed in the text, which of the following is strongly related to the risk of experiencing a midlife crisis in middle adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing negative life events is strongly related to the risk of experiencing a midlife crisis in middle adulthood. This is because events such as job loss, divorce, and the death of a loved one can lead individuals to question their identity and purpose in life, leading to a crisis. Maintaining a low false-self (A) and a high self-concept (B) may be protective factors against a midlife crisis, but they are not strongly related to its risk. Experiencing positive life events (C) may actually increase the risk of a midlife crisis, as it may lead individuals to question if their achievements are enough and if they have reached their full potential in life.

Question 15

What is the term for the concept that people in middle adulthood are anxioius and unhappy and critically re-evaluate their lives, which in turn may provoke dramatic changes?

Accepted Answer

The term for this concept is "midlife crisis." This is a period of transition and reflection that can lead to significant changes in a person's life. It is important to note, however, that not everyone experiences a midlife crisis and it is not a universal phenomenon.

Question 16

You noticed that your 41-year-old uncle has become very interested in helping in his daughter's Girl Scout troop and coaching his son's soccer team.According to Erikson, what is your uncle displaying?

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that during middle adulthood, individuals experience the psychosocial crisis of generativity versus stagnation. Generativity involves a concern for guiding and nurturing future generations, such as through mentoring or volunteering with youth organizations. Therefore, by becoming involved in his children's activities, the uncle is displaying generativity.

Question 17

What is the overall conclusion regarding a "universal" midlife crisis?

Accepted Answer

The article states that there is no conclusive evidence for a universal midlife crisis, indicating that it is not a common phenomenon experienced by everyone. Therefore, option A is the correct choice.

Question 18

Usha Menon interviewed women in India ages19 through 78.When did most Indian women believe was the best time in life?

Accepted Answer

Usha Menon's research found that most Indian women believed the best time in life was from their late 30s through the 50s. This period is often seen as a time when women have more autonomy and respect within their families and communities.

Question 19

In a study examining Americans and South Koreans in midlife, South Koreans placed more emphasis on __________.

Accepted Answer

The question is asking which option South Koreans placed more emphasis on compared to Americans in midlife. The correct answer is A, close ties to others, especially family members, as this is a common value in South Korean culture. The other options may be important to South Koreans, but they are not specifically mentioned in the question or in the context of South Korean culture.

Question 20

Your mother is worried that since your father has just turned 40 years old, he is going to have an affair or buy a fancy new sports car.What would you tell your mother?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that only a small percentage of males actually experience a midlife crisis. Therefore, your mother has no reason to be worried about your father having an affair or buying a fancy sports car just because he turned 40.

Quiz 11: Middle Adulthood