Question 1

According to Erikson, what is the central crisis of early adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Erikson believed that the central crisis of early adulthood is characterized by the tension between intimacy versus isolation. During this stage, individuals seek to establish meaningful and satisfying relationships with others, while also developing a sense of personal identity and autonomy. Failure to successfully navigate this stage can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of purpose or direction in life.

Question 2

Which of the following is an elements of evolutionary theories of mate selection?

Accepted Answer

C

Question 3

Which of the following personality characteristics is identified by your text as a major contributor to dissatisfaction and instability in a marriage relationship?

Accepted Answer

According to the text, a high degree of neuroticism can lead to dissatisfaction and instability in a marriage relationship. Neuroticism is characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, and moodiness, which can create difficulties in communication and conflict resolution within the relationship. The other options - depression, external locus of control, and low self-confidence - may also contribute to problems in a marriage, but they are not specifically identified as major contributors by the text.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes neurological support for Arnett's theory?

Accepted Answer

Neuroimaging studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for executive functions such as impulse control, decision making, and self-regulation, undergoes significant development during adolescence and young adulthood, with continued maturation into the early to mid-twenties. This supports Arnett's theory that emerging adulthood is a distinct developmental period characterized by increased risk-taking behavior and lower levels of impulse control. Option A is incorrect as it states that the prefrontal cortex does not mature until the early to mid-thirties, which is not supported by current research. Option B is incorrect as it mentions areas of the brain that are not directly relevant to Arnett's theory. Option D is incorrect as it presents a broad behavioral statement that is not specific to neurological development or research.

Question 5

Which of the following ethnic groups is most likely to place a proportionately higher emphasis on the importance of children as a contributor to a successful marriage?

Accepted Answer

In many Hispanic cultures, children are seen as a blessing and a central part of family life. The importance of having children is often emphasized as a way to continue the family line and to strengthen family ties. Therefore, Hispanic couples may place a proportionately higher emphasis on the importance of children in a successful marriage.

Question 6

Which of the following best summarizes the distorted perception of marriage in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The distorted perception of marriage in the United States is centered around the idea that the institution of marriage is being threatened and that the divorce rate for all marriages is approximately 50%. While there are variations on this perception, such as the belief that same-sex marriages are contributing to the downfall of marriage or the idea that divorce rates have reached unprecedented levels, the core issue is the perceived fragility of the institution of marriage.

Question 7

From No Easy Answers on page 368: How much does the average formal wedding cost in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The answer of From No Easy Answers on page 368:...

Question 8

Which of the following is related to higher levels of marriage satisfaction and stability?

Accepted Answer

Less favorable attitudes toward divorce have been found to be related to higher levels of marriage satisfaction and stability. This may be because individuals with less favorable attitudes toward divorce are more committed to their marriage and may be less likely to consider divorce as an option, leading them to put in more effort to maintain and improve their relationship.

Question 9

Which of the following prompts the creation of a new life structure, according to Levinson's theory of adult development?

Accepted Answer

According to Levinson's theory of adult development, certain events trigger the creation of a new life structure. Marrying is one of those events that can prompt individuals to make significant changes in their lives, such as reevaluating their goals and priorities, adjusting their daily routine, and forming new relationships. Buying or selling a house and working at a part-time job are not necessarily significant enough events to prompt a new life structure.

Question 10

Jack has settled into his new life as a retiree. He has friends and activities and feels a happy sense of stability in his new life. According to Levinson, in which phase is Jack?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jack has settled into his new life...

Question 11

Jeri's only child has married, signaling a change in Jeri's life structure. It will take Jeri a while to adjust to her new "empty nest." According to Levinson, which of the following terms applies to this adjustment period?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jeri's only child has married, signaling a...

Question 12

Which of the following theories ascribes to the view that sex differences in relationships are adaptations to gender roles that result from external realities such as interactions with others?

Accepted Answer

Social role theory ascribes to the view that sex differences in relationships are adaptations to gender roles that result from external realities such as interactions with others. This theory suggests that gender roles are learned through socialization and are reinforced by cultural norms and expectations, leading to differences in behavior and attitudes between men and women.

Question 13

John is looking for a wife. He wants a partner who has a similar background in matters like education and religious upbringing. Which of the following mate selection strategies is John using?

Accepted Answer

John is using homogamy as a mate selection strategy, which involves choosing a partner with similar characteristics, such as education level and religious upbringing. Trait sorting involves choosing a partner based on specific traits, heterogeneity involves choosing a partner who is different from oneself, and exchange theory involves choosing a partner based on the resources they can provide.

Question 14

Which of the following terms does Jeffrey Arnett use to refer to the developmental period between 17 and 22 years of age?

Accepted Answer

Jeffrey Arnett refers to the developmental period between 17 and 22 years of age as emerging adulthood.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is true regarding research into attachment and marriage?

Accepted Answer

Research has found that about 2/3 of engaged couples describe attachment relationships with their parent(s) to be similar to the attachment relationship with the prospective spouse. This suggests that the quality of attachment with parents can potentially influence future romantic relationships. However, the other statements are not supported by research. Parental attachment has been found to be related to marital success, partners who are securely attached to a parent are more likely to let go of their family of origin attachments, and young married couples tend to argue more about money than in-laws.

Question 16

What component of evolutionary theory suggests that women and men have different mate selection priorities because they have unequal roles and responsibilities in producing and caring for children?

Accepted Answer

Parental investment theory suggests that women and men have different mate selection priorities due to their unequal roles and responsibilities in producing and caring for children. This theory proposes that because women generally invest more time and energy into gestating and caring for offspring, they may prioritize qualities in a mate that indicate he will be a good provider and caregiver. Men, on the other hand, may prioritize physical attractiveness and fertility in a mate, as these qualities suggest she will be able to produce healthy offspring.

Question 17

What do statistics say about the household composition of families in the United States?

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2020, married-couple households made up 49.7% of all households, while single-person households made up 28.8%. Therefore, coupled households are still more common than those headed by singles. There is no evidence to suggest that coupled households are disproportionately headed by men, and single head of households are not becoming less common, as they have been steadily increasing since the 1960s.

Question 18

When marital relationships have negative effects on physical health, what is the physiological mechanism at work?

Accepted Answer

The production of the stress-related hormone cortisol can negatively affect physical health by contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and inflammation in the body. Marital conflict and stress can lead to increased cortisol production, which can have negative effects on physical health.

Question 19

Which of the following terms describes the capacity to engage in a supportive, affectionate relationship without losing one's own sense of self?

Accepted Answer

Intimacy refers to the ability to form close and caring relationships with others while maintaining one's own sense of self. Attachment refers to the emotional bond between individuals, Identity infusion refers to a negative aspect of over-identifying with another person, and Generativity refers to the stage of adult development when individuals focus on contributing to future generations.

Question 20

Which of the following terms was used by Levinson to refer to the underlying pattern of an individual's life at a given time, including balances and conflicts among roles, relationships, and behavior patterns?

Accepted Answer

Levinson used the term "life structure" to refer to the underlying pattern of an individual's life at a given time. This includes balancing and conflicts among roles, relationships, and behavior patterns.

Quiz 14: Social and Personality Development in Early Adulthood