Developmental psych final

Q: What is the age-related hearing condition known as?

A: Presbycusis.

Q: As we age, how does the epidermis and dermis change?

A: The epidermis becomes less firmly attached to the dermis, leading to wrinkles and reduced elasticity.

Q: As we age, where does fat tend to accumulate?

A: Fat tends to accumulate in the torso and decreases in the limbs.

Q: What circumstances tend to lead to earlier menopause in women?

A: Smoking, not having children, and certain medical conditions.

Q: What happens during menopause?

A: Ovaries cease production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of menstruation and reproductive capability.

Q: What are the benefits and risks of using hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

• Benefits: Reduces menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and prevents bone loss.

• Risks: Increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Q: What role does reduced testosterone play in the male’s ability to attain an erection?

A: Reduced testosterone contributes to a decline in sexual function and difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.

Q: What are the leading causes of death in middle age?

A: Cancer, cardiovascular disease, and unintentional injuries.

Q: Are men or women more vulnerable to health problems and why?

A: Men, due to higher rates of risky behaviors and biological susceptibility to certain diseases.

Q: What variables contribute to cancer death rates?

A: Genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, diet), and access to healthcare.

What is atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, and osteoporosis?

• Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup.

• Angina pectoris: Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

• Osteoporosis: A condition causing weakened bones and increased fracture risk.

Q: List and describe key features in the Type A behavior pattern.

A: Competitive, impatient, aggressive, and prone to stress-related illnesses like heart disease.

Q: List and describe the three Cs of hardiness.

• Control: Belief in one's ability to influence events.

• Commitment: Dedication to life activities.

• Challenge: Viewing stress as an opportunity for growth.

What are fluid and crystallized intelligence? When do they decline?

• Fluid intelligence: Problem-solving and processing speed; declines in midlife.

• Crystallized intelligence: Accumulated knowledge and skills; remains stable or improves with age.

: What type of working memory suffers more? Less?

• More: Verbal and spatial working memory.

• Less: Long-term memory for well-practiced skills.

What is expertise?

A: Specialized knowledge or skill in a specific area developed through practice and experience.

Q: What is generativity?

A: A concern for guiding the next generation, often through parenting, work, or community involvement.

Q: What factors contribute to preserving generative commitments?

A: Personal values, cultural expectations, and opportunities for meaningful involvement.

Q: Know the four developmental tasks proposed by Levinson.

• Young-old: Balancing youthful energy with aging.

• Destruction-creation: Balancing past mistakes with contributions to others.

• Masculinity-femininity: Balancing gender traits.

• Engagement-separateness: Balancing external ambitions with internal reflection.

Q: According to Vaillant, what becomes a major preoccupation for midlifers?

A: Passing down traditions and wisdom to the next generation.

What are the big 5 personality traits, and how do they evolve?

• Openness: Decreases.

• Conscientiousness: Increases.

• Extraversion: Slightly decreases.

• Agreeableness: Increases.

• Neuroticism: Decreases.

Q: According to MIDUS participants, what do negative turning points lead to?

A: Personal growth and greater self-understanding.

Q: What are possible selves? How do they evolve throughout adulthood?

• Definition: Mental representations of what we hope to become or fear becoming.

• Evolution: Decrease in quantity, but increase in quality with age, becoming more realistic and focused on meaningful goals.

Which gender identity is associated with cognitive flexibility, psychosocial maturity, and other benefits?

Androgyny (combination of masculine and feminine traits).

How does being "off-time" in development affect the parent-child relationship?

It creates stress and challenges as parents may struggle to adjust expectations.

Q: What factors impact the closeness of grandparent-grandchild ties?

A: Proximity, relationship quality, and family culture.

Q: What is the sandwich generation?

A: Adults caring for both their children and aging parents simultaneously.

Q: How does job satisfaction change at midlife?

A: Generally increases due to career stability and greater focus on meaningful work.

Q: What is burnout, and when is it most likely to happen?

• Definition: Emotional and physical exhaustion from prolonged stress.

• Likely to Happen: In caregiving professions or when facing high workloads with little support.

Q: What is the glass ceiling?

A: An invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from advancing to top positions.

Q: What does an extreme career shift at midlife typically signal?

A: A search for meaning, personal growth, or dissatisfaction with previous work.

Q: What is functional age? Give examples.

• Definition: A person's competence and performance in carrying out daily tasks.

• Examples: A 70-year-old running marathons may have a younger functional age than a sedentary 60-year-old.

Q: What factors have contributed to gains in average life expectancy?

A: Better medical care, improved nutrition, and lower rates of infectious disease.

Q: What are the differences in life span for men, women, and various races?

• Women: Tend to live longer than men.

• Race: Socioeconomic and healthcare disparities lead to variations among races.

: How does the sense of smell change with age?

: Declines due to reduced olfactory receptor function.

: With age, how does the heart muscle change?

Becomes less efficient, leading to reduced blood flow.

List and describe guidelines for healthy sleep habits.

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bed.

• Create a comfortable sleep environment.

: How does SES affect willingness to pursue medical treatment? Why?

: Lower SES individuals may avoid treatment due to cost, lack of access, or mistrust of healthcare providers.

: What is emphysema? How does it develop?

: A lung condition causing breathlessness due to damaged alveoli, often from smoking or pollutants.

What is the difference between Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia?

• Parkinson’s Disease: Movement disorder with tremors and rigidity.

• Alzheimer’s Disease: Memory loss due to brain plaques and tangles.

• Vascular Dementia: Cognitive decline due to blood flow issues in the brain.

What is the negative outcome of Erikson's final psychological conflict?

Despair, resulting from regret and an inability to accept one's life.

Define the different types of reminiscence:

• Self-focused: Dwelling on past regrets, often linked to depression.

• Other-focused: Sharing memories to strengthen relationships.

• Knowledge-based: Reflecting to solve problems or teach others.

Do older adults express more positive or negative self-evaluations? Why?

More positive, due to life experience and better emotion regulation.

What are sex and SES differences in religious involvement in late adulthood?

• Women: More active in religion than men.

• Lower SES: Higher levels of religious involvement as a source of community and support.

What are the strongest risk factors for late-life depression?

Chronic illness, social isolation, and financial hardship.

Q: Compare and contrast independent living communities, Green House nursing homes, and life care communities.

• Independent Living: Minimal assistance for active elders.

• Green House: Small, home-like settings with personalized care.

• Life Care: Comprehensive housing and care, often expensive.

Identify the various types of elder abuse and give examples.

• Physical Abuse: Hitting or restraining.

• Emotional Abuse: Verbal threats or humiliation.

• Financial Exploitation: Misusing an elder's money.

Q: Give examples of the agonal phase of dying and brain death.

• Agonal Phase: Labored breathing, heart stops beating.

• Brain Death: Irreversible loss of brain function.

: Define the following death concepts:

• Nonfunctionality: Body functions cease.

• Finality: Death is irreversible.

• Universality: Death happens to all living things.

: What is disenfranchised grief?

: Grief that is not acknowledged or supported by society, such as loss of an ex-partner.

: Know Kubler-Ross’s responses to death.

: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Where do most Americans want to die?

At home.

What is the difference between bereavement, grief, and mourning?

• Bereavement: The experience of losing a loved one.

• Grief: Emotional response to loss.

• Mourning: Cultural practices related to grieving.

How can we support caregivers of dementia patients?

Offer respite care, emotional support, and access to counseling services.

What is terminal decline?

A: A significant drop in cognitive functioning shortly before death.