DP Final
What is menopause?
= cessation of a woman's menstrual periods, usually during the late forties or early fifties
What are some signs of a humane setting for long-term care?
= independence, choice, privacy, continuity of care (low rate of staff turnover)
Among the factors in the NECS that are associated with living to be 100 are longevity genes and the ability to
COPE effectively with stress.
Summarize some of the key findings from the 1994 Sex in America survey.
Americans tend to fall into three categories: one-third have sex twice a week or more, one-third a few times a month, and one-third a few times a year or not at all Married (and cohabiting) couples have sex more often than noncohabiting couples Adultery is clearly the exception rather than the rule. Nearly 75 percent of the married men and 85 percent of the married women indicated that they have never been unfaithful. Men think about sex far more often than women do—54 percent of the men said they think about it every day or several times a day, whereas 67 percent of the women said they think about it only a few times a week or a few times a month. •The overall impression from the survey was that sexual behavior is ruled by marriage and monogamy for most Americans •Today, sexual orientation is generally seen not as an either/or proposition but as a continuum ranging from exclusive male-female relations to exclusive same-sex relations •Some individuals are bisexual, being sexually attracted to people of both sexes •Researchers have explored the possible biological basis of same-sex relations •An individual's sexual orientation—same-sex, heterosexual, or bisexual—is most likely determined by a combination of genetic, hormonal, cognitive, and environmental factors •Most experts on same-sex relations point out that no single factor alone causes sexual orientation and that the relative weight of each factor can vary from one individual to the next
A research review concluded that the more frequently adolescents ate dinner with their family, the
LESS likely they were to have substance abuse problems.
Surrogate parents =
raise their grandchildren
Prospective memory =
remembering to do something in the future oAlthough some researchers have found a decline in prospective memory with age, a number of studies show that whether there is a decline depends on such factors as the nature of the task, what is being assessed, and the context of the assessment
Companionate =
"spoil" their grandchildren
Summarize adolescent sexuality.
-An adolescent's sexual identity involves activities, interests, styles of behavior, and an indication of sexual orientation -From 1991 to 2011, fewer adolescents reported any of the following: ever having had sexual intercourse, currently being sexually active, having had sexual intercourse before the age of 13, and having had sexual intercourse with four or more persons during their lifetime -Sexual initiation varies by ethnic group in the US -African Americans are likely to engage in sexual behavior earlier than other ethnic groups, whereas Asian Americans are likely to engage in them later -Many adolescents are not emotionally prepared to handle sexual experiences, especially in early adolescence -Early sexual activity is linked with risky behaviors such as drug use, delinquency, and school-related problems -Other risk factors for sexual problems in adolescence include contextual factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) and poverty, family/parenting and peer factors -A number of family factors are linked to sexuality outcomes for adolescents -A research review indicated that the following aspects of connectedness predicted sexual and reproductive health outcomes for youth: family connectedness, parent-adolescent communication about sexuality, parental monitoring, and partner connectedness -A recent national study revealed a substantial increase in the use of contraceptives by US high school students the last time they had sexual intercourse -Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) = infections that are contracted primarily through sexual contact, including oral-genital and anal-genital contact -In cross-cultural comparisons, the US continues to have one of the highest adolescent pregnancy and childbearing rates in the industrialized world, despite a considerable decline in the 1990s -Ethnic variations characterize birth rates for US adolescents -Latina adolescents are more likely than African American and non-Latina White adolescents to have a child -Adolescent pregnancy creates health risks for both the baby and the mother (low birth weights, depression, dropping out of school) -Researchers have found that adolescent mothers interact less effectively with their infants than do adult mothers
Define Erikson's stage of integrity vs. despair.
-Most comprehensive self theory -Integrity = feeling of being whole, not scattered, comfortable with oneself -People reinterpret their experiences as signs of their nobility, not their foolishness -9th stage and gerotranscendence:
Explain some of the research concerning careers, work, and leisure in middle adulthood.
-the role of work, whether one works in a full-time career, a part-time job, as a volunteer, or a homemaker, is central during middle adulthood. -In the US, approximately 80 percent of individuals 40 to 59 years of age are employed. -Age-related declines occur in some occupations, such as air traffic controllers and professional athletes, but for most jobs, no differences have been found in the work performance of young adults and middle-aged adults. For many people, midlife is a time of evaluation, assessment, and reflection in terms of the work they are doing now and what they want to do in the future -Middle-aged workers face several important challenges in the twenty-first century. -These include the globalization of work, rapid developments in information technologies, downsizing of organizations, early retirement, and concerns about pensions and health care. -Some midlife career changes are self-motivated - others are the consequence of losing one's job
What are the four problems that affect most adolescents?
1) Drug abuse 2) Juvenile delinquency 3) Sexual problems 4) School-related problems
According to Gottman, what are 7 main practices that help marriages succeed?
1) Establish love maps. 2) Nurture fondness and admiration. 3) Turn toward each other instead of away. 4) Let your partner influence you. 5) Solve solvable conflicts. 6) Overcome gridlock. 7) Create shared meaning.
Summarize Marcia's four statuses of identity (diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement).
1) Identity diffusion is the status of individuals who have not yet experienced a crisis or made any commitments. Not only are they undecided about occupational and ideological choices, they are also likely to show little interest in such matters. 2) Identity foreclosure is the status of individuals who have made a commitment but not experienced a crisis. This occurs most often when parents hand down commitments to their adolescents, usually in an authoritarian way, before adolescents have had a chance to explore different approaches, ideologies, and vocations on their own. 3) Identity moratorium is the status of individuals who are in the midst of a crisis but whose commitments are either absent or are only vaguely defined. 4) Identity achievement is the status of individuals who have undergone a crisis and made a commitment.
What are four strategies for making exercise part of your life?
1) Reduce screen time -Heavy screen viewing is linked to poor health and obesity. A recent study revealed that compared with individuals who watch no TV, watching TV 6 hours a day reduces life expectancy by 4.8 years! 2) Chart your progress -Systematically recording your exercise -workouts will help you to chart your progress. 3) Get rid of excuses -A typical excuse is "I don't have enough time." You likely do have enough time to exercise 30 minutes per day. 4) Imagine the alternative -Ask yourself whether you are too busy to take care of your own health. What will your life be like if you lose your health?
Summarize 6 common pathways to exiting divorce.
1) The enhancers 2) The good-enoughs 3) The seekers 4) The libertines 5) The competent loners 6) The defeated
What are 6 ideas Cxikszantmihalyi recommends for living a more creative life?
1) Try to be surprised by something every day 2) Try to surprise at least one person every day 3) Write down each day what surprised you and how you surprised others 4) When something sparks your interest, follow it 5) Wake up in the morning with a specific goal to look forward to 6) Spend time in settings that stimulate your creativity
Explain Damon's interview questions that help individuals reflect on their purpose.
1) What's most important to you in your life? 2) Why do you care about those things? 3) Do you have any long-term goals? 4) Why are these goals important to you? 5) What does it mean to have a good life? 6) What does it mean to be a good person? 7) If you were looking back on your life now, how would you like to be remembered?
According to Kubler-Ross, what are the stages of dying?
1.) Denial and isolation = the person denies that death is really going to take place 2) Anger = the dying person gives way to anger, resentment, rage, and envy 3) Bargaining = the dying person develops the hope that death can somehow be postponed 4) Depression = the dying person comes to accept the certainty of his or her death 5) Acceptance = the dying person develops a sense of peace, an acceptance of her or his fate, and, in many cases, a desire to be left alone People who think they might die soon are more likely than others to believe in life after death Every religion provides rites and customs to honor the dead and comfort the living Diversity within religions In all religions: Death is a passage, not an endpoint It is a reason for people to come together Religion provides hope
Summarize the role of religion in the lives of adolescents.
A number of studies have found that adolescents who are involved in religious institutions are more likely to engage in service learning than their counterparts who don't participate in religious institutions Religious issues are important to many adolescents, but during the twenty-first century religious interest among adolescents has declined Adolescent girls are more religious than are adolescent boys Emerging adults in less developed countries were more likely to be religious than their counterparts in more developed countries Many of the cognitive changes thought to influence religious development involve Piaget's cognitive developmental theory The increase in abstract thinking lets adolescents consider various ideas about religious and spiritual concepts Various aspects of religion are linked with positive outcomes for adolescents -Health, well-being, self-esteem, three of the Big Five factors of personality (conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness), less depression, less substance abuse Many religious adolescents also adopt their religion's message about caring and concern for people
Summarize vision in middle adulthood.
Accommodation of the eye—the ability to focus and maintain an image on the retina—experiences its sharpest decline between 40 and 59 years of age. In particular, middle-aged individuals begin to have difficulty viewing close objects. The eye's blood supply also diminishes, although usually not until the fifties or sixties. The reduced blood supply may decrease the visual field's size and account for an increase in the eye's blind spot.
In emerging and early adulthood, few individuals stop to think about how their personal lifestyles will affect their health later in their adult lives.
An important aspect of emerging adulthood is the resilience that some individuals have shown in moving their life in a positive direction following a troubled adolescence
What are some common diseases that can impair the vision of older adults?
Cataracts Glaucoma Macular degeneration
Explain the new model of parent-adolescent relationships.
Conflict with parents often escalates during early adolescence, remains somewhat stable during the high school years, and then lessens as the adolescent reaches 17 to 20 years of age Parent-adolescent relationships become more positive if adolescents go away to college than if they attend college while living at home Recognizing that conflict and negotiation can serve a positive developmental function can tone down parental hostility Cross-cultural studies reveal that parent-adolescent conflict is lower in some countries than in the United States Two countries where parent-adolescent conflict is lower than in the United States are Japan and India When families emigrate to another country, adolescents typically acculturate more quickly to the norms and values of their new country than do their parents
Briefly summarize the biological theories of aging.
Evolutionary theory of aging Cellular clock theory Free-radical theory Mitochondrial theory Hormonal stress theory
What are the leading cause of injury deaths among adults who are 65 years and older?
Falls
Summarize Viktor Frankl's ideas about finding meaning in life.
Frankl said that the three most distinct human qualities are spirituality, freedom, and responsibility. Spirituality, in his view, does not have a religious underpinning. Rather, it refers to a human being's uniqueness of spirit, philosophy, and mind. Frankl proposed that people need to ask themselves questions such as why they exist, what they want from life, and what the meaning of their life might be. The quest for a meaningful life can be understood in terms of four main needs for meaning that guide how people try to make sense of their lives: 1) Need for purpose 2) Need for values 3) Need for a sense of efficacy 4) Need for self-worth Researchers are increasingly studying the factors involved in a person's exploration of meaning in life and whether developing a sense of meaning in life is linked to positive developmental outcomes
What is one of the most important modifiable factors in delaying the onset of diseases in middle adulthood and reducing the frequency of diseases in late adulthood?
Having a sense of control in middle age is one of the most important modifiable factors in delaying the onset of diseases in middle adulthood and reducing the frequency of diseases in late adulthood.
Compare and contrast the formal, fun-seeking, and distant grandparenting styles.
Just describe them
Cellular clock theory =
Leonard Hayflick's theory that the maximum number of times that human cells can divide is about 75 to 80. As we age, our cells have less capacity to divide. •Hayflick places the upper limit of the human life-span potential at about 120 to 125 years of age. •Each time a cell divides, the telomeres become shorter and shorter. After about 70 or 80 replications, the cell can no longer reproduce. •Injecting the enzyme telomerase into human cells grown in the laboratory has been found to extend the life of the cells, but may cause cancer.
Evolutionary theory of aging =
This theory states that natural selection has not eliminated many harmful conditions and nonadaptive characteristics in older adults thus, the benefits conferred by evolution decline with age because natural selection is linked to reproductive fitness. -Ex: Consider Alzheimer disease, an irreversible brain disorder that does not appear until late middle adulthood or late adulthood. In evolutionary theory, if Alzheimer disease occurred earlier in development, it might have been eliminated many centuries ago.
Explain the development of romantic relationships in adolescence by ages.
Three stages that characterize the development of romantic relationships in adolescence: 1) Entry into romantic -attractions and affiliations at about 11 to 13 years of age 2) Exploring romantic relationships at approximately 14 to 16 years of age 3) Consolidating dyadic romantic bonds at about 17 to 19 years of age Two variations on these stages in the development of romantic relationships in adolescence involve early and late bloomers The sociocultural context exerts a powerful influence on adolescents' dating patterns This influence may be seen in differences in dating patterns among ethnic groups within the United States Values, religious beliefs, and traditions often dictate the age at which dating begins, how much freedom in dating is allowed, whether dates must be chaperoned by adults or parents, and the roles of males and females in dating Researchers have linked dating and romantic relationships with various measures of how well adjusted adolescents are Dating and romantic relationships at an early age can be especially problematic
Define fight-or-flight.
When men face stress, they are more likely to respond in a _________ manner-to become aggressive, withdraw from social contact, or drink alcohol.
Define tend-and-befriend.
When women experience stress, they are more likely to engage in a _______ pattern, seeking social alliances with others, especially friends
According to Erikson, what stage is the focus for early adulthood?
YOUNG ADULT: 18 TO 35 Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation - Love
Macular degeneration =
a disease that involves deterioration of the macula of the retina, which corresponds to the focal center of the visual field.
Free-radical theory =
a microbiological theory of aging that states that people age because normal metabolic processes within their cells produce unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. These molecules ricochet around inside cells, damaging DNA and other cellular structures. •The damage can lead to a range of disorders, including cancer and arthritis. •Overeating is linked with an increase in free radicals. •Researchers also are exploring the role that exercise might play in reducing oxidative damage in cells.
Define puberty.
a period of rapid physical maturation, occurring primarily in early adolescence, that involves hormonal and bodily changes
Semantic memory =
a person's knowledge about the world—including one's fields of expertise, general academic knowledge of the sort learned in school, and "everyday knowledge" •Older adults do often take longer to retrieve semantic information, but usually they can ultimately retrieve it •The ability to retrieve very specific information (such as names) usually declines in older adults •For the most part, episodic memory declines more than semantic memory in older adults Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon
Cataracts =
a thickening of the lens of the eye that causes vision to become cloudy, opaque, and distorted.
Involved =
active in day-to-day lives of grandchildren
Imaginary audience =
adolescents' belief that others are as interested in them as they themselves are, as well as attention-getting behavior motivated by a desire to be noticed, visible, and "on stage"
Glaucoma =
damage to the optic nerve because of the pressure created by a buildup of fluid in the eye.
Remote =
emotionally distant
Passive euthanasia
occurs when a person is allowed to die by withholding available treatment, such as withdrawing a life-sustaining device. For example, this might involve turning off a respirator or a heart-lung machine. oDNR (do not resuscitate) = written order that no attempt should be made to revive patient
Active euthanasia
occurs when death is deliberately induced, as when a lethal dose of a drug is injected •"Physician-assisted suicide"
Adults promote and guide the next generation by
parenting, teaching, leading, and doing things that benefit the community.
Cognitive mechanics =
the "hardware" of the mind, reflecting the neurophysiological architecture of the brain • involve the speed and accuracy of the processes involving sensory input, visual and motor memory, discrimination, comparison, and categorization •Because of the strong influence of biology, heredity, and health on ________, their decline with aging is likely and may begin as early as midlife
Source memory =
the ability to remember where one learned something o Failures of source memory increase with age in the adult years
Cognitive pragmatics =
the culture-based "software programs" of the mind • include reading and writing skills, language comprehension, educational qualifications, professional skills, and also the type of knowledge about the self and life skills that help us to master or cope with life •Because of the strong influence of culture on ______, their improvement into old age is possible •Baltes argues that cognitive mechanics decline during aging, whereas cognitive pragmatics do not decline for many people until they become very old. The broken lines from 75 to 100 years of age indicate possible individual variations in_______.
Adolescent egocentrism =
the heightened self-consciousness of adolescents
What is the purpose of the corpus callosum? How does the corpus callosum's development affect adolescents?
the location where fibers connect the brain's left and right hemispheres -Many of the changes in the adolescent brain that have been described here involve the rapidly emerging fields of developmental cognitive neuroscience and developmental social neuroscience
Personal fable =
the part of adolescent egocentrism that involves an adolescent's sense of uniqueness and invincibility (or invulnerability)
Episodic memory =
the retention of information about the where and when of life's happenings •Younger adults have better episodic memory than older adults have, both for real and imagined events •Research has found that in older adults, the older the memory, the less accurate it is
Hormonal stress theory =
the theory that aging in the body's hormonal system can decrease resistance to stress and increase the likelihood of disease. •When faced with external challenges such as stressful situations, the human body adapts by altering internal physiological processes. •This process of adaptation and adjustment is referred to as allostasis. •Allostasis is adaptive in the short term however, continuous accommodation of physiological systems in response to stressors may result in allostatic load, a wearing down of body systems due to constant activity
Mitochondrial theory =
the theory that aging is caused by the decay of mitochondria, tiny cellular bodies that supply energy for function, growth, and repair. •Defects in mitochondria are linked with cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and decline in liver functioning. •Mitochondria likely play important roles in neuronal plasticity. •It is not known whether the defects in mitochondria cause aging or are merely accompaniments of the aging process.
Define Erikson's generativity vs. stagnation and give examples of each.
• proposed that middle-aged adults face a significant issue—generativity versus stagnation. •Generativity encompasses adults' desire to leave legacies of themselves to the next generation. Through these legacies adults achieve a kind of immortality. •By contrast, stagnation (sometimes called "self-absorption") develops when individuals sense that they have done nothing for the next generation. •Middle-aged adults can develop generativity in a number of ways (offspring, mentoring, work, etc.). •Generative adults commit themselves to the continuation and improvement of society as a whole through their connection to the next generation. •Generative adults develop a positive legacy of the self and then offer it as a gift to the next generation.
Summarize the importance of "use it or lose it."
•Changes in cognitive activity patterns might result in disuse and consequent atrophy of cognitive skills •"Use it or lose it" •Mental activities that likely benefit the maintenance of cognitive skills in older adults include activities such as reading books, doing crossword puzzles, and going to lectures and concerts •Intellectual and social engagement can buffer age-related declines in intellectual development •Multiple research studies support the "use it or lose it" concept
How does cohabitation affect marriage?
•Cohabitation refers to living together in a sexual relationship without being married •There has been a dramatic increase in the number of cohabiting US couples since 1970, with more than 60 percent cohabiting prior to getting married •Cohabitation rates are even higher in some countries Some couples view their cohabitation not as a precursor to marriage but as an ongoing lifestyle. These couples do not want the official aspects of marriage
Summarize the links between characteristics at age 50 and health and happiness at age 75 to 80.
•George Vaillant's Studies •Vaillant categorized 75- to 80-year-olds as "happy-well," "sad-sick," or "dead." •Alcohol abuse and smoking at age 50 were the best predictors of which individuals would be dead at 75 to 80 years of age. •Other factors at age 50 that were linked with being in the "happy-well" category at 75 to 80 years of age included getting regular exercise, avoiding being overweight, being well educated, having a stable marriage, being future-oriented, being thankful and forgiving, empathizing with others, being active with other people, and having good coping skills. •Wealth and income at age 50 were not linked with being in the "happy-well" category at 75 to 80 years of age. •Generativity 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 age.
How does religion and spirituality change as one gets older?
•In many societies around the world, older adults are the spiritual leaders in their churches and communities •Individuals over 65 years of age are more likely than younger people to say that religious faith is the most significant influence in their lives, that they try to put religious faith into practice, and that they attend religious services •Religion and spirituality can meet some important psychological needs in older adults, helping them to face impending death, to find and maintain a sense of meaningfulness in life, and to accept the inevitable losses of old age
ADLs
•Indicator of frailty is the inability to perform the tasks of self-care needed for independence •Activities of daily life (ADLs) oEating, bathing, toileting, dressing, transferring from a bed to a chair
IADLs
•Instrumental activities of daily life (IADLs) oRequire intellectual competence and planning oPaying bills, driving a car, etc.
How should adults handle questions about death that come from children?
•Most psychologists emphasize that honesty is the best strategy in discussing death with children •Treating the concept as unmentionable is thought to be an inappropriate strategy, yet most of us have grown up in a society in which death is rarely discussed •In addition to honesty, the best response to a child's query about death might depend on the child's maturity level •What young children need more than elaborate explanations of death is reassurance that they are loved and will not be abandoned •Adults should be sensitive and sympathetic, encouraging them to express their own feelings and ideas
What is a living will?
•Recognizing that some terminally ill patients might prefer to die rather than linger in a painful or vegetative state, the organization "Choice in Dying" created the living will, a legal document that reflects the patient's advance care planning
How are childhood attachment styles reflected in adult relationships?
•The majority of adults describe themselves as securely attached, and not surprisingly adults prefer having a securely attached partner •Researchers are studying links between adults' current attachment styles and many aspects of their lives •The relationships of securely attached adults are more likely to be characterized by trust, commitment, and longevity •Individuals who are securely attached have a well-integrated sense of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. They have the ability to control their emotions, are optimistic, and are resilient. Facing stress and adversity, they activate cognitive representations of security, are mindful of what is happening around them, and mobilize effective coping strategies. •Attachment categories are somewhat stable in adulthood, but adults do have the capacity to change their attachment thinking and behavior.
Compare and contrast the young-old and oldest-old.
•Young-old = 65 to 84 years of age •Oldest-old = 85 years and older •Many experts on aging prefer to talk about such categories as the young-old and oldest-old in form of function rather than age •Thus, in terms of functional age—the person's actual ability to function—an 85-year-old might well be more biologically and psychologically fit than a 65-year-old. •The oldest-old today are mostly female, and the majority of these women are widowed and live along if they are not institutionalized. •A significant number of the oldest-old have cognitive impairments, but many do not. •The majority of older adults aged 80 and over continue to live in the community.
How do children perceive death?
•confuse death with sleep •They believe that the dead can be brought back to life spontaneously by magic or by giving them food or medical treatment •Young children often believe that only people who want to die, or who are bad or careless, actually die •They may also blame themselves for the death of someone they know well, illogically reasoning that the event may have happened because they disobeyed the person who died
What is a social clock?
•the timetable according to which individuals are expected to accomplish life's tasks, such as getting married, having children, or establishing themselves in a career. •Social clocks provide guides for our lives individuals whose lives are not synchronized with these social clocks find life to be more stressful than those who are on schedule.
