Question 1

According to Erikson, psychologically healthy middle-aged adults are most likely to

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory suggests that middle-aged adults are in the stage of generativity versus stagnation, which involves a concern for the next generation and leaving a legacy through productive work, creativity, and nurturing others. This stage is associated with a desire to contribute to society and make a difference, rather than focusing on personal concerns such as comparing oneself to others, relationships, or mortality. Therefore, the best answer is C.

Question 2

Cultural differences in self-description lead

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cultural differences in self-description lead
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Question 3

Five-month-old Ruby is beginning to recognize that her mother, Opal, does not tend to come to feed her when she is hungry. According to Erikson, Ruby is currently involved in a psychosocial crisis of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the first stage is the trust versus mistrust stage, which occurs during infancy (birth to 18 months). During this stage, infants develop a sense of trust or mistrust towards their primary caregivers (usually parents). Infants who receive consistent and reliable care from their caregivers often develop a sense of trust, while infants who do not receive consistent care may develop a sense of mistrust. Ruby recognizing that her mother does not always come to feed her when she is hungry indicates that she is developing an understanding of her caregiver's reliability, and thus, is involved in the psychosocial crisis of trust versus mistrust.

Question 4

Karin's children are all in college. She works as a legal secretary, and most of what she earns goes toward paying her children's college tuition. Her own children lead busy lives, with friends and school activities occupying most of their time, so Karin volunteers one evening each week at the Boys' Home, reading bedtime stories to the young delinquents there. Karin is best classified as fitting into Erikson's stage of

Accepted Answer

Karin is in the generativity versus stagnation stage, which occurs in middle adulthood. During this stage, individuals are focused on contributing to society and the next generation through work, parenting, and community involvement. Karin fits into this stage because she is working and contributing to her children's education, as well as volunteering at the Boys' Home to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged youth.

Question 5

Research on individuals from collectivist cultures challenge the Western assumption that

Accepted Answer

Research on individuals from collectivist cultures challenges the Western assumption that a person cannot develop normally without individuating oneself from others. In collectivist cultures, emphasis is given on harmonious relationships and interdependence among individuals, rather than individualism and self-expression that are valued in Western cultures. Therefore, individuals from collectivist cultures can develop normally without the need to individuate themselves from others, which is a Western value.

Question 6

Mia has just become concerned with how she compares to her peers. For example, she wants to know if she can kick a soccer ball farther or read better than her friends. Mia is in which of Erikson's psychosocial stages?

Accepted Answer

Mia's desire to compare herself to her peers and seek validation for her abilities suggests that she is in Erikson's stage of industry versus inferiority, which typically occurs during middle childhood (ages 6-11). Children in this stage are focused on acquiring knowledge and skills, and seek recognition for their successes from others, particularly their peers. Autonomy versus shame and doubt (A) occurs during early childhood (ages 1-3) and centers on developing a sense of independence and self-confidence. Initiative versus guilt (B) occurs during the preschool years (ages 3-6) and focuses on developing a sense of purpose and taking initiative. Identity versus role confusion (D) occurs during adolescence (ages 12-18) and centers on creating a stable sense of self and identity.

Question 7

With regard to personality development during adulthood, which is true?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there is generally more change in personality between adolescence and middle age than there is between middle age and old age. However, some personality traits, such as openness to experience, may continue to change throughout adulthood.

Answer: B is incorrect because personality can continue to evolve and change throughout adulthood. 
Answer: C is incorrect because historical context, such as growing up during a war or economic depression, can influence personality development. 
Answer: D is incorrect because while some personality changes may occur during the transition from middle age to old age, they may not be universally significant for all individuals.

Question 8

Which is true regarding personality during adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Broad personality dimensions, such as extroversion and neuroticism, show relatively stable consistency across the lifespan. While there may be some fluctuations in specific personality traits, the overall structure of the personality remains fairly stable. Option A is incorrect as there is evidence for stability of personality traits over time. Option C is incorrect as there is no evidence suggesting a definite pattern of changes in introversion and extroversion over time. Option D is incorrect as personality traits can be measured in individuals of any age.

Question 9

Forty-year-old Zelda is proud of the tutoring she is doing at school with kids who have learning problems and feels that she is doing something positive for future generations. It is most likely that Zelda is in Erikson's stage of

Accepted Answer

Generativity versus stagnation is the developmental stage in which individuals are concerned with leaving a legacy for future generations and contributing to society. Zelda's pride in tutoring children with learning problems indicates that she is focused on making a positive impact on future generations, which aligns with the generativity versus stagnation stage.

Question 10

Which is likely to contribute most to change in personality across the lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Poor person-environment fit has been shown to have a significant impact on personality change across the lifespan, as individuals may adapt and change their behaviors and attitudes to better fit their environment. Consistent environments, genetic inheritance, and long-lasting childhood experiences may also contribute to personality development, but they are less likely to cause significant change over time.

Question 11

Twenty-five-year-old Clint has gained enough confidence that he has decided to commit himself to a shared life with his girlfriend. Erikson would suggest that this indicates that Clint is most likely dealing with the conflict of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson, the developmental stage of early adulthood (ages 18 to 35) is characterized by the conflict between intimacy versus isolation. During this stage, individuals seek to form close and meaningful relationships with others while also maintaining their own sense of identity. Commitment to a shared life with a romantic partner is one way of resolving this conflict in favor of intimacy.

Question 12

Which has NOT been proposed as a key factor in explaining why personality is so stable across the lifespan?

Accepted Answer

While heredity, lasting effects of childhood, and the stability of environments have all been proposed as key factors in explaining why personality is so stable across the lifespan, biological factors like diseases have not been identified as a major contributing factor.

Question 13

Erikson would argue that 80-year-old Mable is most likely confronting the psychosocial issue of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, individuals in late adulthood (over 65) confront the psychosocial issue of integrity versus despair. This involves reflecting on one's life and feeling a sense of satisfaction or regret. Mable, at 80 years old, would fall into this age range and likely be dealing with this issue.

Question 14

Research investigating Erikson's claim that identity paves the way for the establishment of intimate relationships has revealed that

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that a well-formed identity does facilitate intimacy in relationships, but the impact may vary slightly by sex and gender. For example, one study found that for women, a strong sense of identity was related to greater emotional closeness in relationships, while for men, it was related to greater sexual satisfaction. However, overall the research supports Erikson's claim that a well-formed identity is important for establishing intimate relationships. Option A is incorrect as research shows a relationship between identity and intimacy. Option B is incorrect because research has shown that the impact may vary slightly by sex and gender. Option D is incorrect as research suggests that a good understanding of oneself can indeed facilitate healthy relationships.

Question 15

Kristi's mother finds four-year-old Kristi in the kitchen, mixing up a muffin mix and making a marvelous mess! Kristi announces, "Surprise! I'm making dinner!" Kristi's mother squelches her desire to yell at Kristi and with great control says, "Oh, how nice! Can I help?" She responds in this way because she has been studying Erik Erikson's theory in her psychology class and she knows that Kristi's behavior is typical of a child in the stage of

Accepted Answer

Kristi's behavior is typical of a child in the stage of initiative versus guilt, according to Erik Erikson's theory. This stage occurs between ages three and six, during which children develop a sense of purpose and take on new challenges. They initiate activities, make plans, and set goals, which can lead to a sense of accomplishment. However, if they are discouraged, they may develop a sense of guilt and feel like a nuisance to others. Kristi's mother's response encourages Kristi's initiative and helps her develop a positive sense of self-esteem.

Question 16

Research has indicated that as individuals move from adolescence to middle age, they would be most likely to experience a modest increase in

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently found that conscientiousness tends to increase from adolescence to middle age, as individuals become more responsible, reliable, and organized. Neuroticism tends to decline during this time period, while extraversion and openness to new experiences are more stable personality traits.

Question 17

The phrase, "If only I had my life to live over again I would…" is best associated with Erikson's _____ psychosocial stage of development.

Accepted Answer

Erikson's eighth and final stage of psychosocial development is integrity versus despair, which occurs in late adulthood. During this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and may experience regret and wish they had lived differently. The phrase "if only I had my life to live over again I would" is an example of this reflective process and therefore best associated with this stage. The other three options are associated with earlier stages of development.

Question 18

Three-year-old Anthony has just begun to throw tantrums when he does not get his way. Erikson would argue that this initial assertion of his will demonstrates that Anthony is in the _____ stage of development.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage occurs during the ages of 1 to 3 years old. During this stage, children assert their independence and begin to develop a sense of control over their environment. Anthony's tantrums when he does not get his way demonstrate his desire for control and independence, which is characteristic of the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage.

Question 19

One impact of living in an individualistic versus a collectivist culture is that

Accepted Answer

In collectivist cultures, people often describe their behavior in terms of specific contexts, reflecting the importance of social roles and relationships in different settings.

Question 20

Children's initial recognition of themselves as physically separate from others corresponds with Erikson's _____ psychosocial stage?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Children's initial recognition of themselves as physically...

Quiz 11: Self and Personality