Question 1

Based upon contemporary research,the claim of a "universal" midlife crisis is ____.

Accepted Answer

Based on contemporary research, the claim of a "universal" midlife crisis is false. While some individuals may experience a period of questioning and transition during midlife, it is not a universal experience and can manifest differently depending on factors such as culture, gender, and personality.

Question 2

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 of psychosocial development suggests that during middle adulthood (ages 40-65), individuals experience the stage of generativity vs. stagnation. Generativity involves a concern for contributing to the next generation, such as through parenting or mentoring. By becoming involved in his children's extracurricular activities, the uncle is displaying generativity.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that experiencing negative life events, such as divorce, job loss, or health problems, increases the likelihood of experiencing a midlife crisis in middle adulthood.

Question 4

What is the challenge that Erik Erikson believes occurs for individuals in their midlife?

Accepted Answer

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the challenge that occurs for individuals in their midlife is generativity vs. stagnation. At this stage, individuals are faced with the task of contributing to society through work, family, and community involvement, or they may become stagnant and feel unproductive, leading to a sense of despair.

Question 5

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 vs. stagnation. This stage involves the desire to contribute to society and leave a positive impact on the next generation, versus feeling unfulfilled and stagnant in one's life.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence to suggest that a midlife crisis is universal or experienced by a certain age range. Research suggests that midlife transitions and crises are highly individualized and can vary greatly depending on personal circumstances, cultural backgrounds, and other factors.

Question 7

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 legacy and impact future generations is a key component of the generativity versus stagnation stage of Erikson's psychosocial development theory, which occurs during middle adulthood. This stage involves a focus on contributing to society and nurturing younger generations, as well as a fear of not leaving a meaningful impact on the world. Therefore, the given behavior best fits the generativity versus stagnation stage.

Question 8

In support of the frequency and commonality of a midlife crisis,Daniel Levinson (1978),claimed to have spotted it in ____ of the men he interviewed.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In support of the frequency and commonality...

Question 9

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 the larger population and may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Question 10

According to Erikson,an individual who is in middle adulthood is experiencing a crisis of ____.

Accepted Answer

Erikson believed that middle adulthood was a time of generativity versus stagnation, where individuals were focused on leaving a positive legacy and making contributions to future generations.

Question 11

What happens for women in many cultures during midlife? There is a rise in ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What happens for women in many cultures...

Question 12

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 13

In a national study of more than 3,000 Americans aged 25 through 72 (Brim,1999),it was found that those in midlife (ages 40 to 60)were ____.

Accepted Answer

The study found that those in midlife (ages 40 to 60) were not more likely to be experiencing a crisis than at other ages. Therefore, choice A is the best answer.

Question 14

What is the term for the concept that people in middle adulthood agonize over the meaning of life and make radical and reckless changes in order to avoid living a life of quiet desperation?

Accepted Answer

The term for this concept is "midlife crisis," where individuals in middle adulthood experience a period of questioning their purpose and value in life, and may make drastic changes in order to find meaning and avoid feeling trapped in a mundane or unfulfilling lifestyle. Choice A, midlife destitution, is not a commonly used term and does not accurately reflect the concept. Choice C, midlife avoidance, is not a term commonly associated with this concept, and may even suggest the opposite of seeking change. Choice D, midlife confusion, is similar but does not fully capture the idea of radical and reckless changes being made to avoid a life of quiet desperation.

Question 15

As described in the text,the common perception of ____ is as a time of agonizing over the meaning of life and making radical and reckless changes in order to avoid living a life of quiet desperation.

Accepted Answer

The text is describing the common perception of a midlife crisis, which is often characterized by a sense of dissatisfaction and a search for meaning in one's life. This can sometimes lead to impulsive or reckless behavior as individuals try to avoid feeling trapped in a mundane existence.

Question 16

Erik Erikson described ____ as when an individual possesses the motivation to contribute to the well-being of the generations to come.

Accepted Answer

Generativity is the developmental stage in Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development that occurs during middle adulthood. It is characterized by a concern for future generations and a desire to contribute to the world by passing on knowledge and skills.

Question 17

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

While some men do experience a midlife crisis, research shows that it is not as common as many people believe. Additionally, not all midlife crises involve affairs or buying sports cars. It is important to address any concerns your mother may have, but it is also important to avoid assuming the worst without evidence.

Question 18

During the 1930s,which of the following psychologist coined the term midlife crisis?

Accepted Answer

Carl Jung is credited with coining the term midlife crisis in 1933, referring to a period of life when individuals may experience feelings of unease or uncertainty about their place in the world and their accomplishments thus far.

Question 19

Self-efficacy is a belief that an individual can successfully accomplish a task that he or she set out to accomplish.Which of the following qualities of self-concept,during middle adulthood,is consistent with this definition?

Accepted Answer

Environmental mastery refers to the ability to manage and control the environment effectively, which aligns with the belief in one's capability to accomplish tasks successfully, similar to self-efficacy.

Question 20

Who first claimed that people experience a midlife crisis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who first claimed that people experience a...

Quiz 11: Middle Adulthood