Question 1

Strong families develop problem-solving and decision-making skills because they realize that:

Accepted Answer

Strong families understand that problems and changes are a normal part of life, and therefore they develop problem-solving and decision-making skills to navigate through them. They do not rely solely on outside assistance or view every crisis as a devastating disaster. They also understand the need to be flexible and adaptable in order to overcome challenges.

Question 2

Dividing family life into stages or cycles can help us gain a better understanding of:

Accepted Answer

Dividing family life into stages or cycles can help us understand the change process that families go through over time. It allows us to identify common challenges and transitions that families experience, and can help us develop strategies to address them. This understanding can be especially helpful for family therapists and other professionals working with families. While family disorganization, marital conflict, and gender roles may be factors within these stages or cycles, the main focus is on understanding the overall change process.

Question 3

The graying of America means that more middle-aged individuals will have to:

Accepted Answer

The graying of America refers to the increasing number of older adults in the population, which means that more middle-aged individuals will have to care for aging parents. Shortening retirement years and having more children are not solutions to this issue, and there is no indication that a return to traditional gender roles is necessary or desirable.

Question 4

One of the most important demographic developments of the twentieth century is the increase in the number of:

Accepted Answer

The increase in life expectancy and decline in fertility rates have led to a significant increase in the number of older Americans. As medical technology continues to advance, it is likely that this trend will continue in the years to come.

Question 5

Much of the racial difference in life expectancy between black and white populations stems from:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that higher mortality in younger blacks (ages 15-34) is a major contributor to the racial difference in life expectancy, rather than dietary differences, stress, or genetic superiority. This is often attributed to social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, and exposure to violence.

Question 6

Which of the following groups has the lowest life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, black males have the lowest life expectancy of any group in the United States, with an average of 71.1 years.

Question 7

How do strong healthy families differ from weak unsuccessful families?

Accepted Answer

Strong healthy families exhibit a solid, united front when faced with difficulties, while weak unsuccessful families may crumble due to a lack of unity and resilience. The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the differences between strong and weak families.

Question 8

All of the following statements about the problem-solving abilities of strong families are true EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The statement "their problems are always solved without outside assistance" is not necessarily true for strong families. While they do have strong problem-solving abilities and a willingness to work together, they may still seek outside help and resources when necessary.

Question 9

The country with the highest life expectancy is:

Accepted Answer

According to the World Population Review, Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world with an average life expectancy of 84.6 years.

Question 10

Why is middle age a relatively new stage in marriage?

Accepted Answer

Middle age is a relatively new stage in marriage due to longer life expectancy. In the past, life expectancy was much shorter and people did not typically live long enough to experience middle age. As people now are living longer, middle age has become an important and distinct stage in life.

Question 11

All of the following statements about marital change are correct EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Couples should not try to avoid change as all marriages tend to change over time, and change can be for better or worse.

Question 12

The term used by Cox and Demmitt to describe later-life families is:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The term used by Cox and Demmitt...

Question 13

All of the following describe later-life families EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The option "families giving birth to or adopting children" does not describe later-life families as they are beyond child-rearing years and hence, do not usually have children of their own. The other options - families beyond child-rearing years, facing or in retirement, and in the grandparenting stage - do describe later-life families.

Question 14

Strong families are:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Strong families are:
...

Question 15

Unlike weak families, strong families:

Accepted Answer

Strong families have a pool of resources, such as emotional support, strong communication skills, and problem-solving abilities, that they can draw from during difficult times. This allows them to better navigate challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Weak families, on the other hand, often lack these resources and may struggle more in times of crisis. The other answer choices are not characteristic of strong families.

Question 16

For most couples, middle age starts when:

Accepted Answer

Middle age often begins when children become independent, marking a transition period for parents as they adjust to a new phase of life without the daily responsibilities of child-rearing.

Question 17

The combination of increased life expectancy and declining infant mortality has been linked to all of the following trends EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The combination of increased life expectancy and declining infant mortality cannot be logically linked to greater survival advantages for men relative to women. This is likely influenced by cultural and societal factors rather than changes in mortality rates.

Question 18

Before 1900, most wives buried their husbands:

Accepted Answer

Before 1900, most wives buried their husbands before the last child left home.

Question 19

While the Census Bureau provides an age for the "the middle-age stage," it is better to define it by:

Accepted Answer

Defining middle age based on an individual's life expectancy, the number of grandchildren, or retirement can vary widely depending on culture, lifestyle, and other factors. Therefore, it is better to define middle age based on the changes and problems that typically occur during this stage of life, such as physical changes, career transitions, and caregiving responsibilities.

Question 20

The 2000 Census reported that one in every eight Americans is 65 years of age and older (about 35 million). In 2010, 40 million people were 65 or older. By 2030, they estimate that will change to:

Accepted Answer

The text states that in 2010, 40 million people were 65 or older. To estimate how many people will be 65 or older in 2030, we need to use estimation skills. If the population of the United States continues to grow, the number of people 65 and older will also increase. However, we can assume that the percentage of the population that is 65 years or older might not change significantly. Therefore, if we estimate that the population of the United States will be around 320 million in 2030, then we can estimate that around 64 million people will be 65 years or older. This means that approximately 1 in every 5 Americans will be 65 years or older in 2030. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Quiz 11: Family Life Stages: Middle-Age to Surviving Spouse