Question 1

In contrast to the claims made by McCrae and Costa, an internet research study conducted by Srivastava and colleagues (2003) found that

Accepted Answer

The answer of In contrast to the claims made by...

Question 2

Cross-cultural research examining the validity of the five-factor model of personality has found that these five factors show up in at least ____ different cultures, including some that have rarely been studied.

Accepted Answer

Cross-cultural research examining the validity of the five-factor model of personality has found that these five factors show up in at least 50 different cultures, including some that have rarely been studied.

Question 3

McAdams proposed a model related to Erikson's concept of generativity suggesting that people must construct a(n) ________, which helps them create a personal identity.

Accepted Answer

McAdams proposed that individuals must construct a coherent narrative of their own lives, which helps them create a personal identity. This narrative allows individuals to make sense of their experiences, integrate their past, present, and future, and provide a sense of purpose and continuity to their lives. The other choices (intimate relationship, ego defense, and self-concept) are not directly related to McAdams' idea of constructing a personal narrative.

Question 4

In the research study examining the stability or variability in the Big Five personality traits during adulthood conducted by Srivastava and colleagues (2003), respondents had an option of getting feedback about their "twin" from a popular movie. What movie was it?

Accepted Answer

The study by Srivastava and colleagues (2003) offered respondents feedback about their "twin" from the movie "Star Wars."

Question 5

Dottie is the "information source" of the family. Whenever something important is happening with one family member, Dottie can be counted on to call or email everyone and let them know about it. Family members often call her for updates and the latest information. Dottie is acting as a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

Dottie is acting as a kinkeeper, who is responsible for keeping the family connected and sharing important information among family members.

Question 6

Middle-aged adults who are simultaneously responsible for caring for their elder parents and their younger children are sometimes referred to as the ________ generation.

Accepted Answer

The term "sandwich generation" is commonly used to describe middle-aged adults who are sandwiched between caring for their parents and their children, hence the name. The other options (A, B, and D) do not accurately describe this demographic.

Question 7

Research by Srivastava and colleagues (2003) found that ________ was the factor in the Big Five theory that showed the greatest amount of change across the early adulthood years.

Accepted Answer

Srivastava and colleagues found that conscientiousness was the factor in the Big Five theory that showed the greatest amount of change across the early adulthood years, with levels of conscientiousness increasing steadily until age 40.

Question 8

According to Erikson, _______ is a state in which people are unable to deal with the needs of their children or to provide mentoring to younger adults.

Accepted Answer

Stagnation is the stage in Erikson's theory where individuals feel they are not contributing to the next generation or society as a whole. This can result in feeling stuck or unfulfilled in life. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's theory, where individuals look back on their life with regret and disappointment. Isolation is a stage in which individuals struggle with forming close relationships and may feel lonely. Encapsulation is not a stage in Erikson's theory.

Question 9

Ina and Larry make sure to arrange for a family reunion once each year. They contact all of the family members-siblings, children, cousins, nieces and nephews-and let them know where and when the gathering will take place. Because they are responsible for gathering the family together, Ina and Larry could be described as ________.

Accepted Answer

Ina and Larry are responsible for keeping the family together and organizing the reunion. The term "kinkeeper" refers to someone who takes on this role in a family. Choices A and D are not accurately describing their role, and there is no reference to stagnation in the scenario, so choice B is also not the best option.

Question 10

Recently Noam has been experiencing some mid-life changes. Some of them involve his work, some involve his relationship with his wife, and others involve changes in his appearance and physical functioning. Noam has been handling these changes well, does not let them get him down, and is persevering in the face of challenges. Noam can be described as having a high level of ego ________.

Accepted Answer

Ego resilience refers to the ability to adapt and cope with life's challenges and changes. Noam's ability to handle mid-life changes well and persevere through challenges indicates a high level of ego resilience. This is not related to strength, defensiveness or integrity.

Question 11

Regarding the stability of personality traits, which of the following has not been suggested by the existing research literature?

Accepted Answer

Research generally suggests that extraversion tends to remain stable or decrease slightly with age, rather than increase.

Question 12

"I just don't seem to matter," Rufus thinks to himself on his way home from work. The divorced, 47-year-old father of two feels like his job doesn't accomplish anything that he isn't doing a good job of parenting his sons, and that he doesn't have any real impact on the world around him. In Erik Erikson's theory, Rufus is experiencing a sense of

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the stage that occurs in middle adulthood (ages 40-65) is generativity versus stagnation. Generativity refers to the desire to make a positive impact on the world by being productive and caring for others, while stagnation refers to feeling unproductive and disconnected from others. Rufus's feelings of not mattering and not having any impact on the world suggest that he may be experiencing stagnation.

Question 13

According to McAdams' model of generativity, there are three levels of components that combine to help people form personal meaning. Which of the following is NOT one of those levels?

Accepted Answer

The three levels of components in McAdams' model of generativity are motivational sources, thoughts and plans, and behaviors. Stressors are not included as one of these levels.

Question 14

What are the "pieces of bread" on either side of the "sandwich generation?"

Accepted Answer

The "sandwich generation" refers to adults who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents and their own children. Therefore, the "pieces of bread" on either side of this generation are their parents and their children.

Question 15

Minerva is a 52-year-old mother of three. She has not worked in some years, and now has started volunteering at her church to assist with Sunday school classes. The children love her, she enjoys helping them find their spiritual path, and tells her husband that she wants to apply for a job at the church. Erikson would say that Minerva is working on achieving a sense of ________.

Accepted Answer

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development suggests that in middle adulthood, people strive to achieve a sense of generativity, which involves a desire to give back to society and nurture the next generation. Minerva's interest in volunteering at her church and applying for a job there reflect this desire for generativity. The other options (conscientiousness, integrity, and egocentrism) are not directly related to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development in middle adulthood.

Question 16

An individual characterizing what Erikson called "stagnation" is unable to

Accepted Answer

Stagnation, as proposed by Erikson, refers to the inability or failure of an individual to contribute to society's continuation. Therefore, choice C is the best answer. Choices A, B, and D are not related to stagnation.

Question 17

According to McCrae and Costa (1994), personality traits stop changing and are "set in plaster" by the time we hit ____ years of age.

Accepted Answer

McCrae and Costa (1994) state that personality traits generally become stable and are "set in plaster" by the time we hit our 30s. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 18

Ego ________ is a powerful personality resources that enables people to handle midlife changes.

Accepted Answer

Ego resilience refers to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and manage stress, making it a key resource for handling midlife changes.

Question 19

Why is it that adults in the sandwich generation may feel more stress than adults at other age periods?

Accepted Answer

The sandwich generation refers to adults who are caring for both their aging parents and their own children. This can lead to increased stress as they must balance the needs and demands of two different generations, often while also managing their own careers and personal lives.

Question 20

In Erikson's theory, middle adulthood is occupied by the search for ________. It involves being productive by helping others in order to ensure the continuation of society by guiding the next generation.

Accepted Answer

According to Erikson's theory, middle adulthood is the stage of generativity vs. stagnation. This stage is characterized by the desire to be productive and contribute to society, whether through work, family, or community involvement. Generativity involves guiding and mentoring the next generation to ensure the continuation of society. It is about leaving a positive legacy and making a difference in the world beyond oneself.

Quiz 13: Making it in Midlife: The Biopsychosocial Challenges of Middle Adulthood