Question 1

Which of the following theorists examined personality in the ego-integrity-versus-despair stage of psychosocial development?

Accepted Answer

Erik Erikson examined personality in the ego-integrity-versus-despair stage of psychosocial development. This stage occurs in late adulthood, typically around the age of 65 and older, and involves the individual reflecting on their life and coming to a sense of acceptance and fulfillment (ego-integrity) or regret and dissatisfaction (despair).

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding personality throughout adulthood is true?

Accepted Answer

Changes in social environments, such as retirement or divorce, can have a significant impact on a person's personality in adulthood. However, overall stability in personality traits is also observed throughout adulthood. B, C, and D are not accurate statements.

Question 3

The ego-integrity-versus-despair stage of psychosocial development is characterized by a process of

Accepted Answer

The ego-integrity-versus-despair stage of psychosocial development is the final stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. It occurs during late adulthood, typically starting around age 65. During this stage, individuals look back on their lives and evaluate their accomplishments, as well as confront the challenges they have faced. If they feel a sense of satisfaction with their life and accept both the good and bad experiences, they will develop a sense of integrity. However, if they feel a sense of despair about their life due to missed opportunities or unfulfilled desires, they may experience feelings of regret and disappointment. Hence, option B: looking back over one's life, evaluating it, and coming to terms with it is the correct answer.

Question 4

Which of the following is a stage in Robert Peck's developmental tasks?

Accepted Answer

Body transcendence versus body preoccupation is a stage in Robert Peck's developmental tasks, which involves finding new ways to enjoy life and maintain a positive self-image despite physical limitations and declining health. The other options are developmental tasks from other theories: A is from Erik Erikson's theory, C is from Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development in late adulthood, and D is not a stage in any developmental theory.

Question 5

Jamil has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been given six months to live.He and his family are starting to come to grips with his impending death.What developmental task is he facing?

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the developmental task faced by a terminally ill person is ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation. This involves shifting focus from external concerns and the ego towards spirituality and coming to terms with the inevitable end of life.

Question 6

What is the major task to be accomplished in the body-transcendence-versus-body-preoccupation stage?

Accepted Answer

In the body-transcendence-versus-body-preoccupation stage, the major task is to learn to cope with and move beyond physical changes. This stage is associated with later adulthood and involves a shift from preoccupation with the physical body to a broader focus on life accomplishments and relationships. Coping with the aging process, mental decompensation, and preparing for death may be associated with other stages of development or life events but are not the primary task of this particular stage.

Question 7

What is the focus of Daniel Levinson's theory of adult development?

Accepted Answer

Daniel Levinson's theory of adult development focuses on the processes that can lead to personality change as a person grows older. It emphasizes that adult development is a continuous process throughout the entire lifespan, rather than being limited to specific stages. He also highlights the importance of midlife transitions in shaping personality development. The theory does not specifically focus on preparing for death or achieving ego transcendence.

Question 8

In Peck's body-transcendence-versus-body-preoccupation stage,what may ultimately be affected in the developmental process?

Accepted Answer

Peck's body-transcendence-versus-body-preoccupation stage occurs during late adulthood and involves a shift away from preoccupation with physical appearance and health towards a focus on more existential concerns such as one's sense of purpose and legacy. While emotions, cognition, and ability to learn may all be affected by aging and life experiences, personality is the most likely aspect to be impacted by this stage of development as individuals move towards a more reflective and introspective state.

Question 9

Some people contemplate their lives and realize they are dissatisfied.They realize missed opportunities have passed,and they have not accomplished what they wished.These individuals experience

Accepted Answer

The word "dissatisfied" and the description of "realizing missed opportunities have passed" suggest a feeling of regret and hopelessness, which aligns with the definition of "despair." "Destitute" refers to extreme poverty, "civility" refers to polite behavior, and "self-correction" does not fit the context of the sentence.

Question 10

According to Daniel Levinson,at which of the following ages might a person be entering into late adulthood by passing through a transition stage?

Accepted Answer

According to Daniel Levinson's theory of adult development, a person might be entering into late adulthood by passing through a transition stage around the age of 60 to 65, making option B (63) the correct choice.

Question 11

Bernice Neugarten examined

Accepted Answer

Bernice Neugarten was a pioneer in studying the psychology of aging and is known for her work on the different ways people cope with aging, including the idea of "age identity".

Question 12

Mollie has been retired for 2 years and is 68 years old.She is having a conversation with her daughter,and she is discussing plans to do different things with each of her grandchildren now that she is no longer working.According to Robert Peck,Mollie is in what developmental stage?

Accepted Answer

Mollie's plans to spend time with her grandchildren after retirement indicate that she is in the stage of redefining her self after leaving her work role behind. This stage is characterized by a focus on personal relationships and finding meaning and purpose outside of work. The other options are not relevant to Mollie's current situation.

Question 13

Jorge cannot accept that he is getting older and experiences despair.According to Bernice Neugarten,what is his personality type?

Accepted Answer

According to Bernice Neugarten's personality theory, Jorge's experience of despair and inability to accept aging signifies a disintegrated and disorganized personality type. This type is associated with difficulty coping with life transitions and can lead to distress and anxiety.

Question 14

According to Paul Costa and Robert McCrae,the "Big Five" personality traits

Accepted Answer

Costa and McCrae's research has found that the Big Five personality traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) appear to be stable across adulthood, meaning they don't change significantly over time.

Question 15

George is beginning to look back at his life and is evaluating and coming to terms with his life.Which stage describes what George is attempting to accomplish?

Accepted Answer

George is in the stage of ego integrity versus despair, which occurs in late adulthood. In this stage, individuals look back at their life and evaluate the events that have occurred. They seek to integrate and reconcile their life experiences, coming to terms with the choices they have made and finding a sense of meaning and purpose in their life. They may experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment or despair and regret depending on how they evaluate their life experiences.

Question 16

Daniel Levinson discusses a transition stage people pass through when entering late adulthood and they realize that they are

Accepted Answer

According to Levinson, during the transition stage of late adulthood, people realize that they are old and may experience anxiety or depression as a result. The other choices do not accurately describe this stage.

Question 17

Last year,Greta's knee injury caused her to drop out of her bowling league,but at 90 years old she still enjoys life and is involved in many activities.Greta is successful at which of Peck's developmental stages?

Accepted Answer

Greta's ability to enjoy life and engage in activities despite her knee injury suggests she has successfully navigated Peck's stage of body transcendence versus body preoccupation, where individuals focus on psychological pleasures rather than physical limitations.

Question 18

How does a person experience ego transcendence?

Accepted Answer

Ego transcendence occurs when a person experiences a sense of contribution and purpose that extends beyond their own ego or mortality. Seeing their contributions lasting beyond their own life is an example of this.

Question 19

Which of the following reflects Robert Peck's view of the first task in old age?

Accepted Answer

Robert Peck believes that the first task in old age is for people to redefine themselves in a manner not relating to their work roles. This is because retirement often takes away the central identity that people have had for most of their lives, and they need to find new ways to define who they are.

Question 20

MacDonald is in his mid-60s.He is reflecting on his life and is experiencing a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.Erikson refers to this as

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the final stage of life is called "integrity vs. despair." During this stage, people in late adulthood reflect on their lives and experiences. If they feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, they have a strong sense of "integrity," which involves accepting and integrating their life experiences and choices. Therefore, MacDonald's sense of satisfaction and accomplishment suggests that he is experiencing integrity.

Quiz 18: Social and Personality Development in Late Adulthood