Name____________________________________

Chapter 15—Middle Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development—Quick Quiz 1

1. Which of the following statements about Erik Erikson’s view of adult development is FALSE?

a. Adults move through stages of development, each with somewhat different developmental tasks.

b. Earlier life events set the stage for how later development will unfold.

c. Developmental issues from earlier in life reappear from time to time in later stages of development.

d. When major life circumstances change dramatically, we tend to ignore earlier developmental adaptations and strike out in bold new directions.

2. In a study reported in the text, women were asked to report the major transitions in their lives. Which of the following was NOT one of the three transitions that most women reported?

a. the birth of their children

b. menarche

c. when children left home

d. menopause

3. According to statistics cited in the text, in the U.S. today, about what percent of “launched” children return home for a period of time?

a. 5%

b. 15%

c. 34%

d. 65%

4. As 45-year-old Brenda’s parents age, she helps them with their finances, buys their groceries, and takes care of their house. Which of the following terms best describes this transition in Brenda’s and her parents’ lives?

a. role conflict

b. stagnation

c. role strain

d. role reversal

5. The text reports the results of a study of friendships among people at four different life stages. In all of these stages of life, which of the following was reported as the most important aspect of friendship?

a. loyalty

b. empathy

c. honesty

d. reciprocity

6. According to the text, which of the following statements about marriage and divorce is TRUE?

a. Having children usually increases marital satisfaction.

b. Married people have more sex and more satisfying sex lives than unmarried couples.

c. Husbands typically make more adjustments to married life than wives do.

d. Children are usually better off with divorced parents than with parents who are unhappily married.

7. Suppose you are conducting a study in which you ask middle-aged men and women why they have stayed married to each other. You would expect that the primary reason that men would give would be _________ and the primary reason women would give would be _____________.

a. “my spouse is my best friend”; “for the sake of the children”

b. “for the sake of the children”; “for financial reasons”

c. “my spouse is my best friend”; “my spouse is my best friend”

d. “for sexual reasons”; “for financial reasons”

8. According to the text, in comparison to first marriages, second marriages are more often characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

a. more open communication

b. greater acceptance of conflict

c. more trust that disagreements can be resolved

d. higher levels of hostility

9. At age 45, Paige is emotionally exhausted from her work with prison inmates over the past 10 years, feeling that no matter what she does, no one ever gets better. Paige is most likely experiencing:

a. role strain

b. role conflict

c. job burnout

d. professional obsolescence

10. If personality traits are biologically based, this would imply that they would be established relatively ________ in life and would change ________ across the lifespan.

a. early; a great deal

b. early; little

c. late; a great deal

d. late; little

Name____________________________________

Chapter 15—Middle Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development—Quick Quiz 2

1. According to Erikson, the procreative domain of generativity centers on which of the following?

a. successfully integrating work responsibilities with family life

b. taking care of one’s children and guiding them toward good lives

c. increasing cultural potential on a greater scale

d. finding meaning in one’s own work

2. According to the view proposed by Robert Peck, which of the following periods is most often the critical time for making adjustments that will determine the way people live out the rest of their years?

a. ages 20 to 30

b. ages 30 to 40

c. ages 40 to 50

d. ages 50 to 60

3. If you were to choose the most descriptive words to describe how middle-aged fathers are typically regarded by their children, these words would be:

a. prime time for fathers

b. useless period for fathers

c. most-resented parent

d. least-appreciated parent

4. Adult children are LEAST likely to return home to live with their parents in which of the following cultures or settings?

a. in Italy

b. in Asian families

c. in urban areas in the United States

d. in rural areas in the United States

5. Now that her father is a widower, Susan finds herself in middle age hosting the holidays at her home for all of her extended family members. According to the text, which of the following is the word used to describe the role has Susan assumed?

a. arbitrator

b. kinkeeper

c. scapegoat

d. family generator

6. According to the text, about what percent of aging parents in the United States today share a home with their middle-aged children?

a. about 40%

b. about 25%

c. about 10%

d. about 2%

7. Statistically speaking, which of the following people is likely to be oldest when he or she becomes a grandparent?

a. Ralph, who is an African American man

b. Tim, who is a White man

c. Roberta, who is an African American woman

d. Lynette, who is a White woman

8. Which of the following terms refers to something quite different than do the other three terms?

a. blended family

b. stepfamily

c. single-parent family

d. reconstituted family

9. Suppose your friend has just taken a job that is strongly associated with job burnout. To help him cope, you could point out that all of the following pieces of advice help prevent burnout EXCEPT:

a. he should be realistic, rather than optimistic, about how much impact he can have

b. he should try to keep his personal life separate from his work

c. he should try to dedicate his professional life to the people he is trying to help

d. he should develop interests outside of his job

10. In a study that asked adults how their personalities had changed in the previous 6 years, the results shows that _____ reported that their personalities had “stayed the same” and _____ reported that their personalities had “changed a good deal.”

a. 33%; 67%

b. 67%; 33%

c. 9%; 53%

d. 53%; 9%

Quick Quiz Answers

Quick Quiz 15.1

1. d; 15.1.1

2. b; 15.1.3

3. c; 15.2.2

4. d; 15.3.1

5. d; 15.3.3

6. b; 15.4.1

7. c; 15.4.1

8. d; 15.4.2

9. c; 15.5.3

10. b; 15.6.2

Quick Quiz 15.2

1. b; 15.1.1

2. d; 15.1.1

3. a; 15.1.3

4. c; 15.2.2

5. b; 15.3

6. c; 15.3.1

7. b; 15.3.2

8. c; 15.4.2

9. c; 15.5.3

10. d; 15.6.2

Chapter 15

Middle Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development

Learning Objectives;

15.1: Compare definitions of development in middle adulthood

15.2: Analyze factors that affect the relationship between middle adults and their children

15.3: Evaluate relationship developments common in middle adulthood

15.4: Explain current trends in U.S. family culture

15.5: Relate career changes to middle adulthood development

15.6: Apply models of personality assessment to middle adulthood

Multiple Choice questions:

Personality Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.1: Compare definitions of development in middle adulthood

15.1. According to the text, during the period of middle adulthood, most adults think less about __________ and more about ________________.

a. how long they’ve lived; how much time they have left

b. how much time they have left; how long they’ve lived

c. money; love

d. love; money

Module: Chapter Introduction

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.2. Erik Erikson’s view of middle adulthood is one in which individuals deal with the issue of ________ vs. self-absorption.

a. despair

b. role identity

c. intimacy

d. generativity

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.3. According to Erikson, what is the central issue facing middle-aged adults?

a. integrity versus despair

b. generativity versus self-absorption

c. intimacy versus isolation

d. industry versus inferiority

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.4. In middle age, Sue raises her three children and integrates her work with her family life. In doing so, she finds meaning in life, and believes she has made important contributions to her family and career. Erikson would describe Sue’s belief as being most reflective of what he referred to as:

a. integrity

b. initiative

c. generativity

d. intimacy

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: For Erikson, the primary task of middle age is one of generativity versus self-absorption. By generativity, Erikson meant that adults contribute in worthwhile ways to the good of others and their community.

15.5. Larry is almost 60 years old, and feels that he has not lived the life he had hoped. He believes he accomplished little in his job, and that his children don’t respect him. According to Erik Erikson, Larry’s life is characterized by:

a. generativity

b. self-absorption

c. unconditional negative regard

d. few conditions of worth

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: For Erikson, the primary task of middle age is one of generativity versus self-absorption. Here, adults develop either the feeling that they have contributed in worthwhile ways (generativity) or that their lives have not been worthwhile (self-absorption).

15.6. In the generative stage, Erikson suggests that people act within all of the following domains EXCEPT:

a. a humanistic one

b. a procreative one

c. a productive one

d. a creative one

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.7. Ramona is a middle-aged woman who finds meaning in her life by devoting herself to raising her children to be “good people.” Erikson would most likely emphasize which of the following terms as being most descriptive of Ramona's personality development?

a. creativity

b. self-absorption

c. procreation

d. productivity

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: Erikson suggested that people act within three domains with regard to generativity: procreative, productive, and creative. The procreative domain centers on giving and responding to the needs of one’s children.

15.8. According to Erikson, the procreative domain of generativity centers on which of the following?

a. successfully integrating work responsibilities with family life

b. taking care of one’s children and guiding them toward good lives

c. increasing cultural potential on a greater scale

d. finding meaning in one’s own work

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Erikson suggested that people act within three domains with regard to generativity: procreative, productive, and creative. The procreative domain centers on giving and responding to the needs of one’s children.

15.9. Judy worked hard to build a successful consulting business because she needs to provide for her children. She chose to work in consulting because she wanted to be at home when her children went off to school and came home from school, and consulting allows her to work flexible hours. Erikson would most likely view Judy’s focus on integrating family life and work life successfully as filling needs in which of the following domains?

a. creative domain

b. productive domain

c. recreative domain

d. procreative domain

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Erikson suggested that people act within three domains with regard to generativity: procreative, productive, and creative. The productive domain centers on integrating work with family life or caring for the next generation.

15.10. Jeannine is 50 years old. Although she has never married, she devotes many hours to her volunteer work at the local “art incubator,” where artists can come and work in stress-free environments. She also takes great pleasure in volunteering at the local food pantry and at the free clinic. According to Erikson, Jeannine’s development is characterized by investment in:

a. the procreative domain

b. the productive domain

c. the creative domain

d. conditions of worth and merit

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Erikson suggested that people act within three domains with regard to generativity: procreative, productive, and creative. The creative domain centers on contributing to society on a larger scale.

15.11. Which of the following statements about Erik Erikson’s view of adult development is FALSE?

a. Adults move through stages of development, each with somewhat different developmental tasks.

b. Earlier life events set the stage for how later development will unfold.

c. Developmental issues from earlier in life reappear from time to time in later stages of development.

d. When major life circumstances change dramatically, we tend to ignore earlier developmental adaptations and strike out in bold new directions.

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: When we are uprooted by major life circumstances, we must revisit the earlier developmental issues of basic trust, autonomy, and so forth, before we can pursue adult generativity. Thus, dramatic changes cause us to re-connect with our previous life issues, rather than ignore them.

15.12. According to the text, if a person is not able to develop a sense of generativity, which of the following is most likely to result?

a. a basic sense of mistrust in people

b. an identity crisis

c. boredom

d. a sense of being all alone, with no one to love

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: When generativity does not emerge in middle adulthood, people come to view their lives as meaningless, they become self-absorbed, and a sense of stagnation and boredom are the typical result. Nothing seems meaningful, so boredom takes the place of a sense of generativity.

15.13. According to the text, which of the following is Robert Peck’s main criticism of Erikson’s stages of development?

a. Erikson’s stages ignore the first 20 to 25 years of life.

b. Erikson’s stages ignore the final years of life.

c. Erikson’s stages place too much emphasis on childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.

d. Erikson’s stages place too much emphasis on the final years of life.

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.14. In comparison to Erikson’s focus, a view proposed by Robert Peck gives greater emphasis to which of the following periods, which he felt is most often the critical time for making adjustments that will determine the way people live out the rest of their years:

a. ages 20 to 30

b. ages 30 to 40

c. ages 40 to 50

d. ages 50 to 60

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.15. Which of the following conflicts of adult development was proposed by Robert Peck?

a. generativity versus stagnation

b. integrity versus despair

c. trust versus mistrust

d. valuing wisdom versus valuing physical powers

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.16. Jack and Sarah find that in their middle-aged years, many of their couple friends have either divorced or moved away, or do not share the same interests any more. Their adjustment illustrates which of Peck’s issues of adult development?

a. socializing versus sexuality

b. ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation

c. cathectic flexibility versus cathectic impoverishment

d. mental flexibility versus mental rigidity

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: In Peck’s cathectic (emotional) flexibility versus cathectic impoverishment, emotional flexibility underlies the various adjustments that people must make in middle age as families split up, friends move away, and old interests cease being the central focus of life.

15.17. Leonardo finds that as he has reached middle age, his physical stamina has begun to wane, and he has been forced to shift his focus his leisure time interests away from golf and tennis toward reading and going to the theater. Peck would describe Leonardo’s adjustment as centering on:

a. socializing versus sexuality

b. valuing wisdom versus valuing physical powers

c. mental flexibility versus mental rigidity

d. cathectic flexibility versus cathectic impoverishment

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Peck’s issue of valuing wisdom versus valuing physical powers refers to the fact that as physical stamina and health begin to wane, people must shift much of their energy from physical activities to mental ones.

15.18. Frank tends to let his past experiences and old judgments dominate his current decisions. For instance, Frank says he has always disapproved of women in the armed services, and is not changing his mind now. This best illustrates which of Peck’s conflicts of adult development?

a. ego differentiation versus work-role preoccupation

b. mental flexibility versus mental rigidity

c. cathectic flexibility versus cathectic impoverishment

d. valuing wisdom versus valuing physical powers

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: Peck’s issue of mental flexibility versus mental rigidity refers to the fact that individuals must fight the inclination to become too set in their ways or too distrustful of new ideas. Mental rigidity is the tendency to become dominated by past experiences and former judgments.

15.19. During middle adulthood, how do men’s roles typically change with regard to parenting?

a. Children become more dependent on their mother and less dependent on their father for advice, so fathers’ roles diminish in importance.

b. Children become more resentful of their fathers, so fathers’ roles diminish in importance.

c. Children become distant from fathers, either emotionally or geographically, so fathers’ roles diminish in importance.

d. Children are more influenced by their fathers during this period, so fathers’ roles in midlife become more important.

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Midlife has been characterized as the prime time for fathers, as their influence over their young adult children tends to increase.

15.20. If you were to choose the most descriptive words to describe how middle-aged fathers are typically regarded by their children, these words would be:

a. prime time for fathers

b. useless period for fathers

c. most-resented parent

d. least-appreciated parent

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Midlife has been characterized as the prime time for fathers, as their influence over their young adult children tends to increase.

15.21. A researcher is interested in studying how traditional women react in midlife. If his goal were to identify predictable relationships between adjustment and life events, he would most likely want to focus on how women experience:

a. their career cycle, noting when they begin working and when they retire

b. the stages of moral development they use in evaluating moral dilemmas

c. the major events that define their family’s life cycle

d. their 40th, 50th, and 60th birthdays

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: According to the text, many women whose lives have reflected traditional female roles define themselves more in terms of the family cycle than by their place in the career cycle.

15.22. According to the text, _______ associate their sexual satisfaction with emotional aspects of their relationships and _______ associate their sexual satisfaction with physical pleasure they experience.

a. men; women

b. women; men

c. both men and women; both men and women

d. women, both men and women

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.23. According to the text, during midlife, parenting usually has quite ________ effects on men and women, and when differences emerge in how parenting affects men and women at this stage, research usually shows that ______ benefit more from parenting.

a. similar; men

b. similar; women

c. different; men

d. different; women

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Parenthood typically has similar psychological effects on mothers and fathers during midlife. When differences do emerge, results often show that men benefit more in midlife from parenting than do women.

15.24. In a study reported in the text, women were asked to report the major transitions in their lives. Which of the following was NOT one of the three transitions that most women reported?

a. the birth of their children

b. menarche

c. when children left home

d. menopause

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: One study of Midwestern women found that they tended to report major life transitions at three points in the family cycle. The first major life transition occurs in young adulthood; fully 80% reported major role changes associated with the birth of their children and their early childrearing years. In middle adulthood, about 40% reported a major life transition when their children left home, although very few described the transition as particularly traumatic. The final major life transition reported by 33% of the women was menopause.

15.25. In a study reported in the text, women were asked to report the major transitions in their lives. Which of the following was one of the three transitions that most women reported?

a. when they got married

b. menarche

c. when children left home

d. when their own mother died

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: One study of Midwestern women found that they tended to report major life transitions at three points in the family cycle. The first major life transition occurs in young adulthood; fully 80% reported major role changes associated with the birth of their children and their early childrearing years. In middle adulthood, about 40% reported a major life transition when their children left home, although very few described the transition as particularly traumatic. The final major life transition reported by 33% of the women was menopause.

15.26. In a study reported in the text, women were asked to report the major transitions in their lives. Which of the following was the major life transition that the largest proportion of the women identified?

a. the birth of their children

b. when their own mother died

c. when children left home

d. menopause

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Fully 80% reported major role changes associated with the birth of their children and their early childrearing years.

15.27. An overload of demands within the same role is called a:

a. role strain

b. role reversal

c. role burnout

d. role conflict

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.28. Grace has chosen to stay at home and raise her three young children, but feels incapable of giving all three the attention they want from her. Which of the following terms best describes Grace’s dilemma?

a. dual roles

b. role strain

c. role conflict

d. role reversal

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Role strain results when there is an overload of demands within a given role.

15.29. Martha is a secretary for a prestigious company, and experiences an overload of demands from various executives. She finds that she is incapable of satisfying any of their needs. Martha’s problem is best considered to be an example of role:

a. conflict

b. strain

c. crisis

d. overload

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Role strain results when there is an overload of demands within a given role.

15.30. According to the text, when men and women are engaged in multiple roles, such as having a career, raising children, and caring for parents, and these roles frequently involve stress and an overload of multiple responsibilities, they are likely to experience:

a. role conflict

b. self-absorption

c. the empty nest phenomenon

d. role strain

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Role conflict involves an overload of demands from competing roles, such as parent, worker, and caregiver.

15.31. According to the text, people in which of the following developmental periods are most likely to focus on the present, rather than the future or the past?

a. adolescence

b. early adulthood

c. middle adulthood

d. older adulthood

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

Interpersonal Contexts of Relationships with Adult Children

Learning Objective 15.2: Analyze factors that affect the relationship between middle adults and their children

15.32. According to the text, when adolescents are launched most parents:

a. enjoy increased freedom, privacy, and discretionary income

b. experience a sense of loss, especially with respect to emotional connectedness

c. become more self-absorbed

d. experience greater role strain

Module: 15.2.1: Launching Adolescents and Young Adults

Learning Objective 15.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Despite the worries that often accompany a child taking on the responsibilities of adult life, most parents enjoy the increase in freedom, privacy, and discretionary income once the children are gone.

15.33. According to the text, when adolescents are launched, the overall reaction from parents is usually _________, and __________ are generally better at letting go of their children.

a. positive; fathers

b. positive; mothers

c. negative; fathers

d. negative; mothers

Module: 15.2.1: Launching Adolescents and Young Adults

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Most parents enjoy the increase in freedom, privacy, and discretionary income once the children are gone. However, mothers often are better prepared than fathers to see their children leave home.

15.34. The term “boomerang generation” refers to the finding that today:

a. young adults are likely to move back in with their parents

b. family incomes are declining rather than rising

c. marriages are occurring at older average ages

d. parents are less likely to pay for their children’s college expenses

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.35. According to statistics cited in the text, in the United States today, about what percent of biologically based, children return home for a period of time?

a. 5%

b. 15%

c. 34%

d. 65%

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text reports that in 2014 30%, 36%, and 36% of White, Black, and Hispanic emerging adults, respectively, had lived with their parents at some point during their early adult years. Thus, the answer that most closely reflects the average of these percentages is 34%.

15.36. According to research cited in the text, which of the following 25-year-old adults would be most likely to move back home with their parents following graduation from college:

a. Alan, a White young adult

b. Ben, a Black young adult

c. Juan, a Hispanic young adult

d. Alan, Ben, and Juan are equally likely to move back home

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text reports that the percentages of White, Black, and Hispanic emerging adults who lived with parents at some point during their early adult years was 30%, 36%, and 36%, respectively.

15.37. The percent of young adults who lived with their parents was lowest during which of the following years?

a. 1960

b. 1975

c. 1990

d. 2015

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.38. Adult children are LEAST likely to return home to live with their parents in which of the following cultures or settings?

a. in Italy

b. in Asian families

c. in urban areas in the United States

d. in rural areas in the United States

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: In Italy it is normal for children to reside in their parents’ home until marriage. In the United States, adult children in Asian and Latin American families were found to live with parents longer out of respect and the desire to assist the family. Additionally, studies show that young adults reside with parents longer in rural than in urban areas.

15.39. Suppose you are a sociologist studying patterns of how young adults return home to live with their parents. Generalizing from previous research, which of the following young adults would you expect to be LEAST likely to live with his parents?

a. Michael, who lives in Italy

b. Ngyuen, who is Asian and whose family lives in California

c. Bob, whose family lives on a farm in Iowa

d. Ted, whose family lives in an apartment in New York City

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: In Italy it is normal for children to reside in their parents’ home until marriage. In the United States, adult children in Asian and Latin American families were found to live with parents longer out of respect and the desire to assist the family. Additionally, studies show that young adults reside with parents longer in rural than in urban areas.

15.40. The period in the family life cycle that occurs after the last child has left home is called:

a. role resolution

b. empty nest

c. generativity

d. transition

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.41. Tim and Ann have just sent their last child off to college. What period in the family life cycle are they now experiencing?

a. generativity

b. empty nest

c. kinkeeper

d. boomerang generation

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Empty nest is the period in the family life cycle that occurs after the last child has left home.

15.42. Generally speaking, today most U.S. parents experience the “empty nest” as:

a. traumatic

b. confusing

c. sad

d. positive

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.43. Today the difference in life expectancy between men and women is about years, and generally live longer.

a. 1; women

b. 4; women

c. 8; women

d. 2; men

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: A table in the text shows that in 2020 life expectancy is 78.0 for men and 82.4 for women – a difference of 4.4 years.

15.44. In 2020, Ron and Betty will both celebrated their 40th birthday. Based on life expectancy data for people born the same year as this couple, Ron should assume he could expect to live another ____ years, and Betty could expect to live another ____ years.

a. 38; 42

b. 42; 38

c. 28; 32

d. 32; 28

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: A table in the text shows the life expectancy for U.S. men and women. It shows that in 2020 the life expectancy for men is 78.0 and for women it is 82.4.

15.45. Tommy depends on his parents to pay his college tuition and in return he helps out on weekends at the family business. The word the text uses to capture the sense of give-and-take between Tommy and his parents is:

a. identify

b. autonomy

c. integrity

d. reciprocity

Module: 15.2.4: Mutually Reciprocal Relationships

Learning Objective 15.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Ideally, as children reach adulthood, they interact with their parents on a more equal basis than they did earlier in life, thereby establishing a reciprocal give-and-take relationship. Surveys reveal that social, emotional, and material reciprocal exchanges of assistance between children and their parents are common.

Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3: Evaluate relationship developments common in middle adulthood

15.46. According to the text, people in which of the following age groups generally takes on the role of family kinkeeper?

a. late adolescents

b. young adults

c. middle-aged adults

d. elderly adults

Module: 15.3: Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.47. Now that her father is a widower, finds herself in middle age hosting the holidays at her home for all of her extended family members. According to the text, which of the following is the word used to describe the role has Susan assumed?

a. arbitrator

b. kinkeeper

c. scapegoat

d. family generator

Module: 15.3: Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Kinkeeper is the role assumed by middle-aged people that includes maintaining family rituals, celebrating achievements, keeping family histories alive, reaching out to family members who are far away, and gathering the family together for holiday celebrations—all of which helps keep the family close.

15.48. Max, who is middle-aged, has assumed the task of maintaining his family's rituals by keeping his family history alive and reaching out to family members who live far away. Max has now taken on the role of family:

a. kinkeeper

b. caregiver

c. overseer

d. mentor

Module: 15.3: Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Kinkeeper is the role assumed by middle-aged people that includes maintaining family rituals, celebrating achievements, keeping family histories alive, reaching out to family members who are far away, and gathering the family together for holiday celebrations—all of which helps keep the family close.

15.49. The text cites statistics that indicate that in 1900 about ____ of children experienced the loss of a parent before age 15; in 2000, this percentage was about ____.

a. 50%; 5%

b. 40%; 5%

c. 25%; 5%

d. 40%; 10%

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: In 1900, one in four children experienced the death of a parent before they were 15 years old; in 2000, fewer than 1 in 20 children did.

15.50. According to the text, the primary reason why adult children and their parents share a household is:

a. one or both parents have lost a job

b. the adult child has lost a job

c. the adult parents have become disabled and need assistance

d. living expenses are too high for parents and children to afford two households

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.51. According to the text, about what percent of aging parents in the United States today share a home with their middle-aged children?

a. about 40%

b. about 25%

c. about 10%

d. about 2%

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.52. When the middle-aged become the generation “in charge” of their aging parents, what has occurred?

a. role overload

b. role strain

c. role conflict

d. role reversal

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

5.53. As 45-year-old Brenda’s parents age, she helps them with their finances, buys their groceries, and takes care of their house. Which of the following terms best describes this transition in Brenda’s and her parents’ lives?

a. role conflict

b. stagnation

c. role strain

d. role reversal

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Role reversals often take place for middle-aged adults and their parents. Middle-aged adults become the generation in charge and their parents, if they are still living, may be in poor health, retired, or in need of financial aid. Over a period of years, power gradually and naturally shifts from older parents to their middle-aged children.

15.54. If you asked 1,000 people who were between ages 35 and 64 whether or not they had cared for a relative or friend in the last year, you should expect about how many of them to answer “yes”?

a. 50

b. 200

c. 500

d. 650

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: The text cites a study that found that 1 in 5 adults from ages 35 to 64 had cared for a relative or a friend in the last year.

15.55. According to the text, about what percent of adult children who care for their aging parents do so in a home environment, either by providing the necessary assistance so the parent can live independently, or by having the parent live with their families?

a. about 40%

b. about 55%

c. about 70%

d. about 85%

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text reports that of adult children who care for their aging parents, about 80–90% do so by providing care in a home environment rather than by placing the parents in a nursing home.

15.56. If current trends hold into the future, you would estimate that an older person’s chances of being cared for in a nursing home are about 1 in:

a. 2

b. 3

c. 7

d. 10

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: The text notes that current estimates are that 35% of the U.S. population over age 65 will eventually enter a nursing home at some point. This is approximately 1 in 3 of these people.

15.57. According to the text, which of the following people are MOST likely to provide care for elderly family members?

a. daughters and sons

b. daughters and daughters-in-law

c. sons and sons-in-law

d. granddaughters and grandsons

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.58. Suppose you conduct a study investigating which family members are most likely to provide caregiving support to aging parents. Generalizing from research described in the text, you should expect that which of the following groups would be MOST likely to provide this support?

a. sons

b. daughters

c. grandsons

d. sisters

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Regardless of whether or not they hold jobs, daughters and daughters-in-law are much more likely than male family members to provide care to aging parents.

15.59. If you conducted a survey of women who were providing care to elderly relatives, you should expect that about ____ of them would report that they feel guilty about not doing enough.

a. 2%

b. 10%

c. 33%

d. 60%

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Rationale: In one study cited in the textbook, 60% of caregiving women reported that they felt guilty about not doing enough.

5.60. When Susan gave birth to triplets after already having two children, her parents’ presence was calming, and provided an anchor to both the grandchildren and parents. According to research conducted by Bengtson, which of the following best describes the role that Susan’s parents serve?

a. arbitrator

b. family national guard

c. being there

d. maintaining the family’s biography

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: A listing in the text presents important roles played by grandparents. The being there role can include being a calming presence in the face of family disruption or external catastrophe, providing an anchor of stability to both grandchildren and parents, and acting as a deterrent to family disruption.

5.61. Hugh and Lois are grandparents who are available to help with grandchildren in times of crisis. During these times, they actually get involved in the active management of their grandchildren’s lives. According to research conducted by Bengtson, which of the following roles do these grandparents serve?

a. being there

b. family national guard

c. arbitrator

d. maintaining the family’s biography

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: A listing in the text presents important roles played by grandparents. The family national guard role involves being available in times of emergency.

5.62. When Jill had an emergency appendectomy, her parents stayed with Jill's children and took care of them for a week. According to research conducted by Bengtson, which of the following roles do Jill’s parents serve?

a. arbitrator

b. family national guard

c. being there

d. maintaining the family’s biography

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: A listing in the text presents important roles played by grandparents. The family national guard role involves being available in times of emergency.

15.63. Which of the following people is likely to be oldest when he or she becomes a grandparent?

a. Ralph, who is an African American man

b. Tim, who is a White man

c. Roberta, who is an African American woman

d. Lynette, who is a White woman

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: According to the text, women and members of some minority groups tend to become grandparents at somewhat earlier ages.

15.64. In the United States today, about what percent of grandparents are raising their grandchildren?

a. about 1%

b. about 3%

c. about 11%

d. about 23%

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.65. In the United States today, about 1 in ___ grandparents are raising their grandchildren.

a. 100

b. 50

c. 25

d. 10

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that today, about 10 to 11% of grandparents are raising their grandchildren.

15.66. Statistically speaking, which of the following grandparents is LEAST likely to be involved in raising grandchildren?

a. Li, who is an Asian American woman

b. Marie, who is a white American woman

c. Ruth, who is an African American woman

d. Lucinda, who is a Hispanic American woman

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Inuit families are far more likely to be three-generation households than are non-Hispanic White families. In Black and Native American families, more than 50% of grandparents are their grandchildren’s primary caregivers.

15.67. According to the text, in African American and Native American families, about ___percent of grandparents are their grandchildren’s primary caregivers.

a. 10%

b. 25%

c. 33%

d. 50%

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.68. The text reports the results of a study of friendships among people at four different life stages. In all of these stages of life, which of the following was reported as the most important aspect of friendship?

a. loyalty

b. empathy

c. honesty

d. reciprocity

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.69. According to research presented in the text, in which of the following age periods do the most complex friendships typically occur?

a. adolescence

b. early adulthood

c. early middle-adulthood

d. later middle-adulthood

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.70. If you were to study the complexity of friendship relationships, you would expect that the most complex friendships would be seen among people in which of the following age groups?

a. young adults between ages 20 and 30

b. young adults between ages 30 and 40

c. middle-aged adults between ages 40 and 50

d. middle-aged adults between ages 50 and 60

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: According to the text, the most complex friendships generally occur among the late middle-aged group.

15.71. According to the text, during middle adulthood, men’s friendships tend to be based on _____ and women’s friendships tend to be based on ______.

a. work; family

b. reciprocity; similarities

c. similarities; family

d. similarities; reciprocity

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4: Explain current trends in U.S. family culture

15.72. When a family consists of a father who works and a mother who stays at home to care for children, the word used to describe this situation is:

a. nuclear family

b. blended family

c. “empty” family

d. single-caregiver family

Module: 15.4: The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The text suggests that a nuclear family is the same as the traditional family, in which the father works and the mother stays home to care for children.

15.73. Today, about what percent of U.S. children under age 18 live in a home headed by two heterosexual parents in their first marriage?

a. 12%

b. 22%

c. 46%

d. 83%

Module: 15.4: The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.74. Today, about what percent of U.S. children under age 18 live in a “nuclear” family?

a. 5%

b. 20%

c. 50%

d. 70%

Module: 15.4: The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.75. The divorce rate for second marriages is:

a. higher than the divorce rate for first marriages

b. about the same as the divorce rate for first marriages

c. much lower than the divorce rate for first marriages

d. slightly lower than the divorce rate for first marriages

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.76. A simple consideration of the number of people married and the number divorced in a given year typically leads to the conclusion that about ____ of all marriages end in divorce; however the actual percentage is about ____.

a. 46%; 55%

b. 46%; 40%

c. 46%; 30%

d. 55%; 46%

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Statistics lead to the often-cited conclusion that half of all marriages end in divorce. However, the people who are divorcing in a given year are not the same as those marrying and, therefore, a simple comparison of marriage and divorce rates usually leads to an erroneous conclusion. The book notes that after taking multiple trends into consideration, a reasonable estimate of the chances of a marriage today ending in divorce is close to 40%.

15.77. According to the text, the best estimate of the probability that a marriage will end in divorce is about:

a. 40%

b. 46%

c. 51%

d. 56%

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.78. In comparison to women, today U. S. men marry _________ than do U.S. women and they tend to marry women who are _________ than they are.

a. earlier; younger

b. later; younger

c. earlier; older

d. later; older

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: According data presented in the text, men stay single longer and marry women younger than they are.

15.79. In comparison to men, today in the U. S. women between the ages of 40 and 65 are _______ likely to be divorced and are _______ likely to be widowed.

a. more; more

b. more; less

c. less; more

d. less; less

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: According to a figure presented in the text, compared to men, women age 40-65 are both more likely to be divorced and more likely to be widowed.

15.80. According to the text, which of the following statements about marriage and divorce is TRUE?

a. Having children usually increases marital satisfaction.

b. Married people have satisfying sex lives than unmarried couples.

c. Husbands typically make more adjustments to married life than wives do.

d. Children are usually better off with divorced parents than with parents who are unhappily married.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: A table in the text notes several myths about marriage and divorce and correctly notes that married people generally have more sex and more satisfying sex lives than unmarried couples, even though the contrary conclusion is a popular misconception.

15.81. According to the text, which of the following statements about marriage and divorce is TRUE?

a. Divorce proceedings are usually initiated by women.

b. Slightly more than half of all marriages today end in divorce.

c. Husbands’ marital satisfaction is higher when wives are full-time homemakers than when they are employed.

d. Children are usually better off with divorced parents than with parents who are unhappily married.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: A table in the text notes several myths about marriage and divorce and correctly notes that divorce proceedings are initiated by women in about two-thirds of the cases, even though the contrary conclusion is a popular misconception.

15.82. According to the text, which of the following factors is associated with an increase in the likelihood that a marriage will end in divorce?

a. having lived together before marrying

b. having a college education

c. being a virgin when married

d. having an adequate family income

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Table 15.1 identifies factors that are associated with increased and decreased likelihood of divorce; among the options for this question, only the choice of cohabitation before marrying is associated with an increased likelihood of divorce; other choices are associated with decreased changes of divorce.

15.83. In cases of divorce, it is usually the _______ that becomes dissatisfied with the marriage first, and it is usually the ______ that initiates the divorce proceedings.

a. husband; husband

b. wife; wife

c. husband; wife

d. wife; husband

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.84. Compared to adults who remain married, people who are divorced in middle adulthood are more likely to experience all of the following EXCEPT:

a. bigger financial problems

b. higher rates of alcoholism

c. higher rates of physical illness

d. lower rates of depression

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text states that recently divorced men and women have higher rates of alcoholism, physical illness, and depression, and also have considerably more financial problems, owing to the need to support two households on the income stream that formerly supported only one.

15.85. According to research cited in the text, which of the following is the primary reason that middle-aged men and women give for staying married to each other?

a. “my spouse is my best friend”

b. “for the sake of the children”

c. “for financial reasons”

d. “for sexual reasons”

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.86. Suppose you are conducting a study in which you ask middle-aged men and women why they have stayed married to each other. You would expect that the primary reason that men and women would give would be which of the following?

a. “my spouse is my best friend”

b. “for the sake of the children”

c. “for financial reasons”

d. “for sexual reasons”

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Although middle-aged men and women cite different reasons for remaining married, both list “My spouse is my best friend” as their primary reason.

15.87. Suppose you are conducting a study in which you ask middle-aged men and women why they have stayed married to each other. You would expect that the primary reason that men would give would be _________ and the primary reason women would give would be _____________.

a. “my spouse is my best friend”; “for the sake of the children”

b. “for the sake of the children”; “for financial reasons”

c. “my spouse is my best friend”; “my spouse is my best friend”

d. “for sexual reasons”; “for financial reasons”

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Although middle-aged men and women cite different reasons for remaining married, both list “My spouse is my best friend” as their primary reason.

15.88. Among happily married couples, having a satisfying sex life is seen by men as being of _________ importance and is seen by women as being of __________ importance.

a. great; great

b. great; some

c. some; great

d. some; some

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Although most happily married couples are satisfied with their sex lives, it usually is not a primary factor in happiness or marital satisfaction. Men listed satisfaction with sex as the 12th most important reason for staying together; women listed it as the 14th.

15.89. Which of the following terms refers to something quite different than do the other three terms?

a. blended family

b. stepfamily

c. single-parent family

d. reconstituted family

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The terms blended family, stepfamily, and reconstituted family all refer to a family that is re-formed following the breakup of one or more former families, either through death or divorce. These families are headed by two parents or stepparents. Single-parent families can involve a divorce or death of a parent, but can also result from being never married. Also, a single-parent family has only one parent living in the household, making this type of family quite different from the others.

15.90. In comparison to the proportion of blended families in the 17th and 18th centuries, the proportion of blended families in the United States today is:

a. about the same

b. somewhat higher

c. somewhat lower

d. dramatically higher

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.91. In comparison to the typical blended family of two centuries ago, blended families today are usually more complex because they:

a. include more children under the age of 10

b. include more teenage children

c. include the presence of a living former spouse

d. involve much greater financial hardships

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.92. According to the text, in comparison to first marriages, second marriages are more often characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:

a. more open communication

b. greater acceptance of conflict

c. more trust that disagreements can be resolved

d. higher levels of hostility

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.93. Regarding adjustment in blended families that include stepchildren, it is usually the _______ that has a harder time adjusting to new roles and the stereotype of the “neglected, abused stepchild” is largely ________________.

a. father; a myth

b. mother; a myth

c. father; accurate

d. mother; accurate

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.94. Adjustment in blended families is usually hardest between girls and their ____________ and between boys and their ____________.

a. stepmothers; stepmothers

b. stepfathers; stepfathers

c. stepmothers; stepfathers

d. stepfathers; stepmothers

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

Occupational Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.5: Relate career changes to middle adulthood development

15.95. If a college has historically employed its own security staff, but now decides to fire these people and contract with a firm that specializes in security to take over this function, this is best considered to be an example of:

a. downsizing

b. “right-sizing”

c. outsourcing

d. union-busting

Module: 15.5: Occupational Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text describes outsourcing as farming out work to other companies that involves the loss of jobs to workers, regardless of how competent and dedicated they have been.

15.96. Julie has worked in the laundry of a large hospital for 34 years. One Friday afternoon she and her co-workers are brought in and told that the hospital is firing them because it has decided that the laundry will close and this function will be performed by a company that does laundry for large institutions. Julie’s situation is best considered to be an example of:

a. outsourcing

b. union-busting

c. right-sizing

d. downsizing

Module: 15.5: Occupational Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text describes outsourcing as farming out work to other companies that involves the loss of jobs to workers, regardless of how competent and dedicated they have been.

15.97. Which of the following job-related factors is associated with a higher risk of developing stress and mental health challenge?

a. being able to use one’s skills on the job

b. having a job that involves a variety of tasks

c. being in contact with others, rather than working in isolation

d. having a job that is challenging, but with little opportunity for control over one’s situation

Module: 15.5.1: Job Change and Stress

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text lists several factors that are linked to a lower risk for stress and mental health challenges. Among the options listed, having a job with little opportunity for control is the only one linked to poorer mental health and greater stress.

15.98. According to the text, the loss of one’s job in middle adulthood often causes reactions most similar to the adjustment:

a. of being married for the first time

b. of being married for the second time

c. of leaving home to go to college or take a first job

d. to the death of a loved one

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.99. The text cites all of the following reasons as explanations why job loss is especially traumatic in middle adulthood EXCEPT:

a. middle-aged adults face discrimination, making it harder for them to find a new job

b. new jobs are likely to involve lower pay than former jobs

c. older workers usually have more of the personal identity invested in their jobs

d. older workers have poorer self-concepts than younger workers

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.100. According to the text, the emotional exhaustion that often affects middle-aged people in the helping professions is called:

a. professional obsolescence

b. job strain

c. role strain

d. job burnout

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.101. At age 45, Paige is emotionally exhausted from her work with prison inmates over the past 10 years, feeling that no matter what she does, no one ever gets better. Paige is most likely experiencing:

a. role strain

b. role conflict

c. job burnout

d. professional obsolescence

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Job burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion that results from working in high-stress professions or trades.

15.102. Job burnout is caused by:

a. racial and sexual prejudice

b. lack of reward for great effort

c. outside interests becoming more important than the job

d. role conflict between work and family responsibilities

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: According to the text, the general cause of job burnout is the lack of rewards in a work situation in which great effort has been expended and high hopes originally predominated.

15.103. People who suffer job burnout are typically:

a. money-oriented workers who are tired of the “rat race”

b. less competent workers who realize their limitations

c. underskilled workers who go back to school

d. idealistic, competent workers who finally realize that they cannot make a difference

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: According to the text, people in the helping professions who suffer job burnout generally are idealistic, highly motivated, extremely competent workers who finally realize that they cannot make the difference they once thought they could.

15.104. Job burnout would be expected to be the biggest problem for workers in which of the following jobs?

a. nursing

b. police chief

c. corporate executive

d. college professor

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Job burnout is especially prevalent among individuals in the helping professions. Social workers, police officers, nurses, therapists, teachers, day-care workers, and others who must work in close personal contact with those whom they serve.

15.105. Which of the following people would be at greatest risk for developing job burnout?

a. Laura, who is a social worker for an agency that serves low-income families

b. Peter, who is the president of his own small insurance agency

c. Rex, who is a computer programmer

d. Priscilla, who is a professional musician

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Job burnout is especially prevalent among individuals in the helping professions. Social workers, police officers, nurses, therapists, teachers, day-care workers, and others who must work in close personal contact with those whom they serve.

15.106. Workers can best avoid burnout by:

a. being realistic about their jobs

b. taking regular vacations

c. immersing themselves in the positive aspects of work

d. having high ideals and good intentions

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that workers can avoid or minimize job burnout by learning to be realistic in their approach to their work and their goals, by promoting changes in their job requirements or work flow, by attempting to keep the rest of their life separate from their work (for example, by not taking their work troubles home with them), and by developing interests outside of their jobs.

15.107. Suppose your friend has just taken a job that is strongly associated with job burnout. To help him cope, you could point out that all of the following pieces of advice help prevent burnout EXCEPT:

a. he should be realistic, rather than optimistic, about how much impact he can have

b. he should try to keep his personal life separate from his work

c. he should try to dedicate his professional life to the people he is trying to help

d. he should develop interests outside of his job

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Rationale: The text notes that workers can avoid or minimize job burnout by learning to be realistic in their approach to their work and their goals, by promoting changes in their job requirements or work flow, by attempting to keep the rest of their life separate from their work (for example, by not taking their work troubles home with them), and by developing interests outside of their jobs.

Continuity and Change in the Structure of Personality

Learning Objective 15.6: Apply models of personality assessment to middle adulthood

15.108. Psychologists use the term “Big Five” to refer to:

a. the 5 most influential theorists in the field of psychology

b. the 5 steps of the scientific approach to research methodology

c. the 5 most important people in any given individual’s life

d. the 5 core traits that describe personality

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.109. According to the “Big Five” theory of personality, individuals differ from each other according to:

a. how high or low each person is on each of the Big Five traits

b. how many of the Big Five traits each person possesses

c. which are the most important, and least important, of the Big Five traits to the person’s life

d. how the person rank-orders the Big Five traits when these traits are used to describe the subject matter of personality

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The Five Factor model reflects the consensus within the field of psychology that personality can be well described by assessing five traits, or factors, that appear to capture the most important dimensions on which individuals differ from each other. People can possess more or less of each of these traits.

15.110. Which of the following sets of personality traits correctly describe the Big Five factors identified in psychology research?

a. conscientiousness, openness, extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness

b. conscientiousness, altruism, extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness

c. altruism, openness, extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness

d. conscientiousness, openness, extroversion, emotional stability, altruism

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.111. Which of the following is NOT one of the Big Five factors of personality?

a. agreeableness

b. intelligence

c. conscientious

d. openness

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Understand the Concept

Easy

15.112. If personality traits are biologically based, this would imply that they would be established relatively ________ in life and would change ________ across the lifespan.

a. early; a great deal

b. early; little

c. late; a great deal

d. late; little

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: To the extent that personality is biologically determined, we would expect to see consistency in the traits that characterize the personality profile across the stages of the lifespan.

15.113. According to a large-sample study reported in the text, which of the following personality traits has been shown to increase through middle adulthood as adults grow older?

a. extraversion

b. emotional stability

c. agreeableness and conscientiousness

d. openness to experience and conscientiousness

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.114. How does research suggest that the trait of emotional stability changes across the lifespan?

a. It increases for men, but not for women.

b. It increases for women, but not for men.

c. It increases for both men and women.

d. It stays relatively constant in both men and women.

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: According to research cited in the text, emotional stability was observed to change throughout adulthood, but the change depended on gender. Although women increased in emotional healthiness throughout middle adulthood, men did not.

15.115. If you were considering how the Big Five traits change throughout adulthood for women, you should conclude that women would be expected to show the LEAST increase in which of the following traits across the ages of 16 to 70?

a. conscientiousness

b. agreeableness

c. openness to experience

d. emotional stability

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: Figure 15.2 depicts changes in the Big Five personality traits at different points in the lifespan and both Openness to experience and Extroversion can be seen to decrease with age. The text also notes that the decreases associated with Emotional stability are descriptive of men in adulthood, but not for women. Thus, the trait that declines most for women during adulthood is Openness to experience.

15.116. According to research cited in the text, as people move through the lifespan from age 16 to age 70-and-over, which of the following personality traits increases to the greatest degree:

a. extroversion

b. emotional stability

c. openness to experience

d. conscientiousness

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 15.2 depicts changes in the big five personality traits at different points in the lifespan and the increases are noticeably larger for conscientiousness than for any of the other traits.

15.117. Which of the following best reflects the text’s conclusion about how personality traits change across the adult portion of the lifespan?

a. they are stable for almost everyone

b. they are constantly changing for almost everyone

c. most people’s traits are characterized by both stability and change

d. they are stable for some people but changing for others

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The book notes that the best conclusion to draw is that in many ways middle adulthood is characterized by both stability and change. While stability is critical for preserving one’s core identity and personal relationships throughout life, the ability to change and adjust to life’s circumstances provides a means of adapting. Furthermore, there probably are individual differences in the degree that these adjustments occur.

15.118. In a study that asked adults how their personalities had changed in the previous 6 years, the results shows that _____ reported that their personalities had “stayed the same” and _____ reported that their personalities had “changed a good deal.”

a. 33%; 67%

b. 67%; 33%

c. 9%; 53%

d. 53%; 9%

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.119. If you were to ask a large group of adults to tell you whether they thought their personalities had “stayed the same” or “changed a good deal,” you should expect that:

a. most people would report that their personalities had stayed the same

b. most people would report that their personalities had changed a good deal

c. the people would be split into two equal-sized groups, with half reporting stability and half reporting change

d. the response you got would be heavily dependent on age, with younger adults reporting more stability and older adults reporting more change

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Rationale: In a study cited in the text that asked middle-aged adults how much they believed their personalities had changed during the previous 6 years, 52.5% responded they had “stayed the same,” 38.5% said they “changed a little,” and 9% responded they had “changed a good deal.”

Current Issues: Studying Generativity in African American and White U. S. Families

15.120. Sarah is asked to complete a questionnaire asking about how often she does volunteer work, how much time she spends helping her children, and so forth. Generalizing from research described in the text, this questionnaire most likely is measuring:

a. generativity

b. the empty nest

c. job burnout

d. life satisfaction

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Generativity involves an adult’s concern for the next generation and includes various activities, such as raising and mentoring children, serving as a role model for younger people, supporting social causes that assist the next generation to develop in ways that are valued, and creating a legacy for others.

15.121. Thomas is asked to respond to a series of statements, such as “I believe that other people need and depend on me.” Generalizing from research described in the text, this questionnaire is most likely measuring:

a. generativity

b. the empty nest

c. job burnout

d. EQ

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate it

Moderate

Rationale: The Loyola Generativity Scale consists of 20 statements about how adults might display generative concerns, such as “I try to pass along knowledge I have gained through my experiences” and “I do not feel that other people need me.” This last statement is quite like the one in this question (only opposite).

15.122. In studies, generativity has been linked to all of the following EXCEPT:

a. being more involved with others

b. being more involved in religious activities

c. being less involved in political activities

d. having an active role in children’s lives

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.123. According to research discussed in the text, in comparison to White Americans, African Americans were more likely to emphasize the role of ________ in their lives.

a. children

b. parents

c. jobs

d. religion

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

Changing Perspectives: Blended Families – Themes and Variations

15.124. In the United States today, about what percent of all marriages are second marriages for one or both partners?

a. about 10%

b. about 25%

c. about 33%

d. about 50%

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that at the beginning of the 21st century, nearly half of all marriages are remarriages for one or both partners.

15.125. About what percent of children in the United States today will spend some time in a stepparent family before they reach adulthood?

a. about 5%

b. about 33%

c. about 50%

d. about 65%

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

15.126. The text presents evidence that suggests that, in comparison to traditional families, blended families are:

a. happier

b. better off financially

c. simpler to manage

d. more complex

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that blended families are more complex and provides multiple examples of the ways in which this complexity is greater in blended families than in traditional families. There are no conclusions drawn about overall family happiness or financial situations that distinguish blended from traditional families.

Short Answer questions:

Personality Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.1: Compare definitions of development in middle adulthood

15.127. Give an example of how personality can be characterized by continuity and another example of how it is characterized by change.

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.128. Describe what Erikson meant by the term “generativity.”

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.129. What did Erikson believe were the consequences of not achieving generativity during middles adulthood?

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.130. In what two ways does Robert Peck’s view of adulthood differ from Erik Erikson’s view?

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Difficult

15.131. Identify three “losses” that typically occur in middle adulthood and three ways in which this period represents a period of peak ability.

Module: 15.1.2: Middle Adulthood as the Crossroads of Life

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

15.132. Why is middle adulthood sometimes considered the “prime time” for fathers?

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

15.133. Give an example of role strain and another example of role conflict. How do these reactions differ from each other?

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Interpersonal Contexts of Relationships with Adult Children

Learning Objective 15.2: Analyze factors that affect the relationship between middle adults and their children

15.134. What is meant by the term, “boomerang generation”?

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.135. Suggest two social or economic factors that you believe influence the likelihood that young adults will live with their parents rather than live independently. How do each of these factors influence the likelihood that a young adult will return home to live with parents?

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.136. Give an example of what is meant by the term “empty nest.”

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.137. Give an example of what is meant by the term “reciprocal” exchange of assistance between adults and their parents.

Module: 15.2.4: Mutually Reciprocal Relationships

Learning Objective 15.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3: Evaluate relationship developments common in middle adulthood

15.138. What is a kinkeeper?

Module: 15.3: Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.139. The text discusses a topic referred to as “reciprocal exchange of assistance.” Provide an example of this concept, identifying the roles assigned to the adult child and to the aging parent in your example.

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.140. How is care typically provided to older adults who can no longer take care of themselves? In the United States today, is most care done in formal, or informal, settings?

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.141. Are sons or daughters more likely to care for elderly parents? What kinds of problems are typical for adult children who are caring for their elderly parents?

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.142. Identify two different roles that grandparents can serve for their grandchildren and give an example of each role.

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.143. In middle adulthood, who relies more on friends, men or women? Why might this be?

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4: Explain current trends in U.S. family culture

15.144. How common is divorce in the United States today? Who is most likely to get divorced, from a demographic point of view?

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.145. State three myths about marriage and divorce and note why these beliefs are myths, rather than truths.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

15.146. Are men or women more likely to initiate a divorce? What factors explain this finding?

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.147. What are three of the most commonly cited reasons for why married couples remain married?

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.148. Describe how the typical blended family today differs from one 100 years ago. Do you think today’s blended families pose easier or harder adjustment issues for children than did those a century ago? Explain your response.

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

15.149. Describe three challenges frequently faced by blended families.

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Occupational Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.5: Relate career changes to middle adulthood development

15.150. Why is job loss generally more problematic if it occurs in middle adulthood, as opposed to early adulthood?

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Analyze It

Moderate

15.151. Define and give an example of job burnout.

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.152. List two things that a worker can do to avoid job burnout.

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Analyze It

Moderate

15.153. Is making a change of career in midlife more, or less, common today than in the past? Explain your answer.

Module: 15.5.4: Midcareer Reassessment

Learning Objective 15.5

Analyze It

Difficult

Continuity and Change in the Structure of Personality

Learning Objective 15.6: Apply models of personality assessment to middle adulthood

15.154. Name and briefly define the five factors that comprise personality, according to the Five Factor model.

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.155. Identify one of the five personality factors that appear to increase as adults move through the lifespan, and one that appears to decrease.

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.156. Describe the results of a study that asked adults to report whether their personalities had “stayed the same,” “changed a little,” or “changed a good deal.”

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Essay questions:

Personality Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.1: Compare definitions of development in middle adulthood

15.157. Describe what is meant by the term “family life cycle” and give an example of two people of different ages who are at the same point in their family life cycles.

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.158. Describe how an adult who has achieved generativity is different from an adult who is characterized instead by self-absorption.

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Moderate

15.159. Discuss the similarities and differences between Peck’s and Erikson’s views regarding social development during adulthood. On which central ideas did each theorist focus?

Module: 15.1.1: The Tasks of Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Analyze It

Difficult

15.160. Is midlife a “low” or a “peak” period in the lifespan? Cite evidence to support your answer.

Module: 15.1.2: Middle Adulthood as the Crossroads of Life

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.161. In what ways do men and women living in the United States today experience middle adulthood differently from each other? What factors appear to be important in whether men’s and women’s experiences are more similar, or more different, from each other?

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.162. Is role strain more common for men or for women do you think? Give an example of the typical role strain a man and a woman might experience.

Module: 15.1.3: Personal Reactions to Middle Adulthood

Learning Objective 15.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Interpersonal Contexts of Relationships with Adult Children

Learning Objective 15.2: Analyze factors that affect the relationship between middle adults and their children

15.163. Describe three ways in which socioeconomic and cultural issues influence how children are launched in the United States today.

Module: 15.2.1: Launching Adolescents and Young Adults

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

15.164. Would you expect an increase or decrease in the number of young adults who live with their parents over the next 10 years? Explain your reasoning in reaching this conclusion, and be sure to note in your answer the trends one which you basing your answer.

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.2

Evaluate It

Difficult

15.165. What is the primary reason that young adults share a household with their parents? Do you think this situation will become more common, or less common, in the years ahead? Explain your answer.

Module: 15.2.2: The “Boomerang Generation”

Learning Objective 15.3

Evaluate It

Difficult

15.166. Identify three different factors that can determine whether the empty nest is experienced as a positive or a negative developmental transition and suggest how each factor operates to produce positive, or negative, adjustment.

Module: 15.2.3: The Empty Nest

Learning Objective 15.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Interpersonal Contexts Relating to Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

Learning Objective 15.3: Evaluate relationship developments common in middle adulthood

15.167. Who is the kinkeeper in your family? What roles does this person assume that allows you to identify this person as your family’s kinkeeper? (If your family does not have a kinkeeper, what roles are going unmet because of this?)

Module: 15.3

Learning Objective 15.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.168. How have population trends over the past 100 years affected the type of relationships most adults have with their aging parents?

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

15.169. Describe an example of a role reversal between middle-aged adults and their elderly parents. What factors can make this role reversal a more positive, rather than negative, developmental process?

Module: 15.3.1: Relationships With Aging Parents

Learning Objective 15.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.170. Identify 4 different roles that grandparents can play in relation to their grandchildren. How would the current economic conditions facing people in the United States affect the pattern of roles that grandparents typically would play?

Module: 15.3.2: Becoming a Grandparent

Learning Objective 15.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.171. How do friendships in middle adulthood differ from those in early periods of the lifespan?

Module: 15.3.3: A Lifelong Perspective on Friendship

Learning Objective 15.3

Analyze It

Moderate

The Changing Family

Learning Objective 15.4: Explain current trends in U.S. family culture

15.172. The text notes that in 2014, the marriage rate was 6.9 per 1,000 people in the U.S. population; the divorce rate was 3.2 per 1,000 people. Explain why the simple division of these numbers (3.2/6.9) does NOT result in an accurate estimate of the likelihood of a marriage ending in divorce.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Difficult

15.173. Describe three different reasons why divorce might occur in middle adulthood, rather than in early adulthood.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.174. Who is usually better able to cope after a divorce, the divorced husband or the divorced wife? Identify and describe three factors that should be considered in formulating an answer to this question.

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Analyze It

Moderate

15.175. What has research shown about the characteristics of a successful marriage?

Module: 15.4.1: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage

Learning Objective 15.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.176. Describe how the demographic characteristics of blended families have changed over the last 100 years. How are the problems faced by blended families today different from those faced by blended families of 100 years ago?

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

15.177. Describe three problems that are likely to occur in blended families. Suggest a way in which parents can successfully resolve each of these problems.

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.178. In creating a blended family, is it better to try to replicate the family structure of the previous family, or to create a new family structure? Explain your answer.

Module: 15.4.2: Blended Families

Learning Objective 15.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

Occupational Continuity and Change

Learning Objective 15.5: Relate career changes to middle adulthood development

15.179. How has the conceptualization of the “ideal career trajectory” changed over the past four decades? What implications do these changes have for adults who lose their jobs during middle adulthood?

Module: 15.5.1: Job Change and Stress

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Difficult

15.180. Identify four factors that enter into how one’s job might affect one’s level of stress, and suggest how each would likely impact the individual’s mental health.

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.181. Do you agree that job loss is generally more stressful when it occurs in middle adulthood, in comparison to early adulthood? Explain your answer.

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

15.182. Describe five work place factors that help support good mental health for middle-aged workers.

Module: 15.5.2: Job Loss

Learning Objective 15.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

15.183. Why does job burnout occur most often in middle adulthood? Be sure you include a good definition of job burnout as part of your answer.

Module: 15.5.3: Job Burnout

Learning Objective 15.5

Analyze It

Moderate

15.184. Do you think the reasons men and women might change careers in midlife similar to, or different from, each other? Suggest three social forces that can be involved in decisions to reassess their careers in middle adulthood.

Module: 15.5.4: Midcareer Reassessment

Learning Objective 15.5

Evaluate It

Difficult

Continuity and Change in the Structure of Personality

Learning Objective 15.6: Apply models of personality assessment to middle adulthood

15.185. Describe the Five Factor model of personality, noting how it explains the individual differences in personality that exists among different people.

Module: 15.6.1: The Five-Factor Model

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

15.186. Discuss whether personality development in middle adulthood is marked more by stability or by change. Cite evidence to support your answer.

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Analyze It

Moderate

15.187. How do the personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness tend to change as individuals move through their adult years? Describe the research that addresses questions such as this.

Module: 15.6.2: Stability or Change?

Learning Objective 15.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

15.188. If you were to ask a group of adults whether their personalities are stable, or change with age, what results would you expect? Explain the basis of your conclusion.

Module: 15.6: Continuity and Change in the Structure of Personality

Learning Objective 15.6

Evaluate It

Difficult