Question 1

Peak physical functioning occurs when adults are in their twenties and thirties.

Accepted Answer

This is generally true for most individuals, but physical functioning can vary based on lifestyle factors and genetic predispositions. Some individuals may maintain peak physical functioning into their forties or beyond, while others may decline earlier.

Question 2

Studies show that the risk of virtually every kind of emotional disturbance is higher in early adulthood than in middle age.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the risk of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse are higher in early adulthood, typically between the ages of 18-29, than in middle age. This is believed to be due to various factors such as stress, life changes, lack of support, and genetic predisposition.

Question 3

Adults who have a low sense of self-efficacy or a helpless attitude are more likely to become depressed or physically ill.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Research has found that individuals who have low self-efficacy, which is the belief in one's ability to successfully complete tasks and achieve goals, are more susceptible to depression and physical illnesses. A helplessness attitude, which is the belief that one has little control over their life circumstances, can also contribute to these negative outcomes. Developing a sense of self-efficacy and a proactive attitude can improve not only mental health, but physical health as well.

Question 4

Violence by former partners is more severe and lethal than assault by a current partner.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that violence by a former partner is more likely to result in severe injury or death than violence by a current partner. This may be because former partners are more likely to be motivated by revenge or a desire to regain control, and may have had time to plan their attack. Additionally, victims of violence by former partners may have less access to support and resources that could help protect them from harm.

Question 5

The expression to "bite your tongue" in order to keep from putting your "foot in your mouth" is characterized by a cognitive skill that emerges in early adulthood known as response inhibition.

Accepted Answer

Response inhibition is a cognitive skill that involves suppressing an automatic or prepotent response in order to carry out a more appropriate or goal-directed response. "Biting your tongue" before saying something that may be inappropriate or offensive is an example of response inhibition. This skill typically continues to develop throughout early adulthood.

Question 6

Persons living in common-law relationships are more likely to be victims of lethal and non-lethal spousal violence than those who are legally married.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that individuals in common-law relationships are at a higher risk for experiencing domestic violence, including both lethal and non-lethal spousal violence, compared to those who are legally married. This is likely due to the fact that common-law relationships are often seen as less stable and more informal, and may lack the legal protections and support that marriage provides.

Question 7

Many young adults engage in high-risk sexual behaviour that may lead to a sexually transmitted infection, unaware that there has been an increase in drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea and syphilis.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been an increase in drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea and syphilis, and many young adults engage in risky sexual behavior without being aware of this fact. It is important for individuals to practice safe sex and get tested regularly to prevent the spread of these infections.

Question 8

The risk of miscarriage and other complications of pregnancy is higher in a woman's twenties than in her thirties.

Accepted Answer

The risk of miscarriage and other complications of pregnancy is generally higher in a woman's thirties than in her twenties.

Question 9

The positive benefits of social support are determined by the number of actual social and emotional contacts an individual has with the members of her social support network.

Accepted Answer

The positive benefits of social support are indeed determined by the number of actual social and emotional contacts an individual has with the members of their support network. Research has shown that having a larger and more diverse social support network can lead to improved mental and physical health outcomes, while social isolation and limited social support can have negative effects on well-being.

Question 10

T cells are an element of the immune system that defend the body against internal threats such as cancer cells or HIV/AIDS.

Accepted Answer

T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in immune response by attacking cells infected with viruses or other pathogens, as well as cancer cells. They are an essential element of the immune system's defense against internal threats.

Question 11

Lifestyle choices in early adulthood do not have any substantial cumulative effects.

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle choices made in early adulthood can have substantial cumulative effects on health outcomes in later life, such as increased risk for chronic diseases and a shorter lifespan.

Question 12

Prosperous nations with high levels of social inequality, such as the United States, experience poorer overall health than less prosperous nations that have a more egalitarian society, such as Japan.

Accepted Answer

Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between social inequality and poor health outcomes, with countries that have greater income disparities often experiencing higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and premature death. In contrast, countries with lower levels of inequality tend to have better health outcomes across the population, suggesting that a more even distribution of wealth and resources is beneficial for overall well-being. Japan is often cited as an example of a highly developed nation with a relatively equal society and excellent health outcomes, despite challenges such as an aging population and high levels of stress in the workplace.

Question 13

Middle-aged women are more likely to be abused than women in any other age group.

Accepted Answer

Younger women are generally at a higher risk of abuse, including domestic and sexual violence, compared to middle-aged women. Statistics and research often show that women aged 18-34 are at a greater risk of experiencing intimate partner violence than their older counterparts.

Question 14

Among men in early adulthood, infertility is commonly caused by erectile dysfunction, or an inability to acquire and sustain an erection.

Accepted Answer

Infertility in men is most commonly caused by issues related to sperm production, sperm delivery, or other underlying medical conditions, not by erectile dysfunction, which affects the ability to have sexual intercourse but not directly sperm production or fertility.

Question 15

Mental health problems tend to occur in middle adulthood rather than early adulthood, as the onset of role conflict and role strain tends to be more prominent at that stage.

Accepted Answer

Mental health problems can occur at any stage of adulthood, including early adulthood, and are not limited to middle adulthood. Factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and personal experiences can contribute to the onset of mental health issues at various points throughout an individual's life.

Question 16

Young women who are approximately 16 to 24 years old are more likely to be abused than older women.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that younger women, specifically those between the ages of 16 and 24, are at a higher risk of experiencing abuse or violence compared to older women. This may be due to a number of factors such as inexperience in relationships or a lack of knowledge about healthy and safe relationships.

Question 17

After declining for two decades, the number of reported new cases of sexually transmitted infections has been increasing, especially for chlamydia.

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported cases of sexually transmitted infections has been increasing since 2014, with chlamydia being the most commonly reported STI.

Question 18

For Canadian females, the major source of exposure to HIV is injection drug use.

Accepted Answer

For Canadian females, the major source of exposure to HIV is heterosexual contact.

Question 19

The majority of deaths in 20- to 34-year-olds are caused by disease.

Accepted Answer

The majority of deaths in 20- to 34-year-olds are caused by unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, rather than diseases.

Question 20

Shrinkage of the thymus gland occurs as a result of secondary aging processes.

Accepted Answer

Shrinkage of the thymus gland primarily occurs as a result of primary aging processes, starting after puberty and continuing throughout life, not specifically due to secondary aging processes which are caused by disease and environmental factors.

Quiz 13: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood