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