Unit 6: Developmental Psychology - Adulthood and Aging

Flashcards based on Unit 6: Developmental Psychology focusing on adolescent identity statuses, Erikson's adult stages, biological changes of aging, and death-deferral theory.

Identity Achievement

A state in which an adolescent has explored their options and knows what they want to do with their life, aligning with real desires.

Identity Foreclosure

A state in which an adolescent is committed to a path in life but has not really thought about it or explored much, leading to a false sense of having a path.

Identity Moratorium

A state in which an adolescent is actively exploring different paths in life but has not yet committed to one.

Identity Diffusion

A state in which an adolescent does not have a clear path forward in life, is closed off, and does not care to find one.

1 predictor of tense teen relationships with peers

Tense and unstable relationships with their parents or guardians.

Identity vs. Confusion

The psychosocial phase (ages 12-22) in which adolescents develop a strong sense of purpose and values or remain apathetic, conflicted, and conforming.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

The psychosocial phase (ages 23-40) in which young adults either maintain healthy, close relationships or face isolation and chaotic relationships due to a lack of sense of self.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

The psychosocial phase (ages 41-60) in which middle-aged adults find meaningful work and mentorship or experience little productivity and a midlife crisis.

Integrity vs. Despair

The psychosocial phase (ages 61-Death) in which older adults look back on their lives with satisfaction and joy or experience regret, bitterness, and depression.

Frontal Lobe and Cerebellum Volume Loss

Biological changes in the brain during aging that lead to lowered working memory and lowered fluid intelligence.

Telomeres

The protective ends of chromosomes that shorten over time, causing cells to make mistakes in dividing; this is considered the core cause of aging.

Dementia

A disorder that leads to the loss of long-term and short-term memory, changes in personality, and impaired reasoning.

Fluid Intelligence

The ability to perform problem-solving and think through new problems, which tends to decline as aging advances.

Procedural Memory

Muscle memory, such as knowing how to tie a shoe, which tends not to change or decline with aging.

Semantic Memory

Memory for past facts, such as birth dates or historical presidents, which typically shows no issues or decline during aging.

Presbyopia

A condition where the eye lens becomes rigid, resulting in farsightedness and difficulty reading.

Menopause

A result of lowering estrogen levels characterized by the end of menstruation, hot flashes, mood changes, hair loss, and slowed metabolism.

Andropause related changes

Physical changes due to lowering testosterone, including erectile dysfunction, slowed metabolism, and loss of muscle mass.

Neuroplasticity (Aging Context)

The ability to slow negative effects of aging by challenging the mind through new experiences, physical activity, and continued learning.

Death-deferral Theory

The theory that people have some control over the dates of their death, supported by lower death rates on the days before and during major holidays.