Human Development Chapter 14
generativity
Adults' desire to leave legacies of themselves to the next generation; the positive side of Erikson's middle adulthood stage of generativity versus stagnation.
contemporary life-events approach
An approach emphasizing that how a life event influences the individual's development depends not only on the life event itself but also on mediating factors, the individual's adaptation to the life event, the life-stage context, and the sociohistorical context.
Daniel Levinson's studies suggest that most adults feel that middle age is a time of
Crisis
Which of the following is a major difference between Levinson's and Valliant's views on midlife?
Unlike Levinson, Valliant maintains that only a minority of adults experience a midlife crisis.
Middle-aged adults feel they have less control over their
children
The _____ life-events approach emphasized the manner in which life events that influence an individual's development depends not only on these events but also on mediating factors.
contemporary
According to George Vaillant's longitudinal studies, _____ in middle age was more strongly related than intimacy to whether individuals would have an enduring and happy marriage at 75 to 80 years of ag
generativity
Cathy and Miguel have been dating for 6 months. Which of the following is likely to be LEAST important in their relationship considering that both are in early adulthood?
loyalty
The life-events approach to understanding adult development has been criticized because it
placed too much emphasis on change.
Middle-aged Americans agree that a major component of their well-being involves
positive relationships.
What are the two major forms of love?
romantic and affectionate
Jared is 50 years old. He has been working in a corporate law firm since the past 25 years. Even though he has been successful in his career, he realizes that he has done nothing for his children. According to Erikson's theory, Jared's realization indicates _____.
stagnation
Amanda got divorced after 15 years of marriage. Ever since, she has been experiencing high levels of stress. To cope with stress, Amanda is most likely to
take prescription medication.
Jenna is reevaluating and recording the facts about her adolescent and adulthood years. According to the Grant Study by George Vaillant, Jenna is most likely in her _____.
40s
empty nest syndrome
A term used to indicate a decrease in marital satisfaction after children leave home.
Big Five factors of personality
Emotional stability (neuroticism), extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
stagnation
Sometimes called "self-absorption," this state of mind develops when individuals sense that they have done little or nothing for the next generation; this is the negative side of Erikson's middle adulthood stage of generativity versus stagnation.
tend-and-befriend
Taylor's view that when women experience stress, they are more likely to seek social alliances with others, especially female friends.
cumulative personality model
The principle that with time and age, people become more adept at interacting with their environment in ways that promote stability of personality.
fight-or-flight
The view that when men experience stress, they are more likely to become aggressive, withdraw from social contact, or drink alcohol.
Which of the following is a shortcoming of stage theories of adult development?
They do not adequately address individual variations in adult development.
In the Berkeley Longitudinal Studies, which of the following characteristics generally changed the most in the life span of an adult?
nurturance or hostility
Jacqueline nurtures and guides her children. According to Erik Erikson, she has achieved _____ generativity.
parental
Which of the following acts as the focus of stage theories trying to explain midlife?
universals of adult personality development
