501
TEST BANK
CHAPTER 18: SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
IN LATE ADULTHOOD
Multiple Choice Questions
TB_18_01_Chapter Introduction_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
In 2010, how long had the world’s longest-married couple been together?
A) 65 years
B) 75 years
C) 85 years
D) 95 years
TB_18_02_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
How did Erikson characterize the developmental task of late adulthood?
A) Industry versus inferiority
B) Generativity versus stagnation
C) Ego integrity versus despair
D) Intimacy versus isolation
TB_18_03_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
At 83 years old, Claudette happily recalls life when she was younger. She also enjoys spending time with her
grandchildren and their children. According to Erikson, what has Claudette achieved?
A) Autonomy
B) Closure
C) Ego integrity
D) Life competency
502
TB_18_04_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
Which of the following is the best example of Erikson’s concept of despair?
A) When Mr. Trump offers advice to his family, he often says, “Don’t make the same mistakes I did. I wish I could
live my life over.”
B) Mr. and Mrs. Albertson are the unofficial grandparents of many children in their neighborhood, and their home is
always open to any child who needs a hot meal or a caring word.
C) Mrs. Smith and Mr. White had both been widowed for many years and were eager for the love and
companionship they could offer each other in their last years.
D) Mrs. Brown tells her family that she will die happy with the world because she has lived a good life and has few
regrets.
TB_18_05_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
Which of the following best describes ego integrity?
A) Serving as a steward for the heritage of the next generation
B) Being able to incorporate oneself into the identity of another person without fear of losing oneself
C) Being honest about the good and bad aspects of life
D) Coming to terms with the life one has lived and accepting the inevitability of death
TB_18_06_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
Which of the following is correct regarding the role of reminiscence in human development?
A) The most important function of reminiscence is preparation for death.
B) Young adults reminisce less often than middle-aged or older adults.
C) Young adults use reminiscence for problem solving.
D) Structured reminiscence decreases life satisfaction.
TB_18_07_Erikson’s Stage of Ego Integrity versus Despair_LO 18.1_APA LO 1.2
As older adults reminisce about their life, which of the following describes the judgments they make about their past
behavior?
A) Past-life assessment
B) Life review
C) Integrity assessment
D) Life analysis
503
TB_18_08_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
What, according to activity theory, could older adults do to have the most psychologically and physically healthy
response to old age?
A) Eliminate excessively demanding roles and save their energy for truly important roles
B) Maintain the highest possible activity level and the largest possible number of roles
C) Increase their physical activity, preferably through aerobic and weight-bearing exercise
D) Reduce their activity and involvement in most of their social roles
TB_18_09_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
According to research, what is the most common effect of activity upon later life?
A) Fatigue and depression from overwhelming roles and responsibilities
B) Increased mortality because the effects of disabling conditions such as diabetes may be magnified
C) More rewarding relationships with members of the social support network
D) Greater life satisfaction and morale
TB_18_10_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
When you visit a former co-worker who recently retired, you are astonished at his list of activities and projects, and
he says, “Staying busy keeps me young!” Your former co–worker’s philosophy is most consistent with which of the
following perspectives on aging?
A) Activity theory
B) Adaptation theory
C) Ego integrity
D) Delimited senescence theory
504
TB_18_11_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
When you contact a retired neighbor to ask if she is interested in participating in a charity fundraiser, she tells you
that she is no longer interested in activities such as this, and she is content to do as little as possible since she retired.
Your neighbor’s perspective is most consistent with which of the following views on aging?
A) Adaptation
B) Discontinuity theory
C) Disengagement
D) Social reticence
TB_18_12_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
Which of the following is an aspect of disengagement theory?
A) Shrinkage of life space
B) Increased responsibility
C) Decreased individuality
D) Passive extrication from roles
TB_18_13_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
Gender roles tend to be least rigid in old age. This is reflective of which of the following aspects of disengagement
theory?
A) Acceptance of change
B) Continuity
C) Increased individuality
D) Shrinkage of life space
TB_18_14_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
According to disengagement theory, which of the following is the tendency of people to interact with fewer and
fewer people and fill fewer and fewer roles?
A) Acceptance of death
B) Shrinkage of life space
C) Isolation
D) Desocialization
505
TB_18_15_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
Phyllis’ philosophy drives her children crazy when they go out in public together. She says, “I’m old and I can do
what I want.” Phyllis’ lack of respect for conventional rules or expectations is consistent with the aspect of
disengagement theory known as which of the following?
A) Asocial thinking
B) Discontinuity
C) Increased individuality
D) Disassociation
TB_18_16_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
Jennifer is 92. She has become increasingly solitary, preferring her “quiet time” to the company of others. She no
longer gets out much, and although she does not really seem depressed, her level of involvement with the world has
diminished to almost nothing. Jennifer’s lifestyle is consistent with the aspect of disengagement theory known as
A) acceptance of changes.
B) inactivity and rebellion.
C) discontinuity.
D) antisocial personality.
TB_18_17_Other Theories of Late-Life Psychosocial Functioning_LO 18.2_APA LO 1.2
Frank worked as a professional cabinet maker most of his adult life. He very much enjoyed this work, but is now
somewhat limited in his physical ability to handle large pieces of carpentry. Frank currently builds smaller pieces of
furniture such as chairs and coffee tables. Which of the following explains Frank’s behavior?
A) Disengagement theory
B) Acceptance of changes
C) Shrinkage of life space
D) Continuity theory
506
TB_18_18_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following best summarizes the paradigm of successful aging proposed by Rowe and Kahn?
A) The healthiest response to old age is to maintain the greatest possible level of activity and involvement in the
greatest number of roles.
B) An aging adult is not governed by the expectations of others that she fulfill certain roles.
C) Religious coping and the use of religious belief and practice are effective means of adapting to aging.
D) Successful aging integrates components of physical, cognitive, and social health that are influenced by earlier
behaviors and decisions.
TB_18_19_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
What is the term used by gerontologists to describe maintaining one’s physical health, mental abilities, social
competence and general satisfaction with life?
A) Elderpeace
B) Aging gracefully
C) Nonresistant aging
D) Successful aging
TB_18_20_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
According to research in the United States and Japan, which factor might help individuals to recover from a health
crisis such as a stroke or a fracture?
A) A combative, argumentative spirit
B) Viewing health care professionals as adversaries to be beaten
C) Adopting recovery goals proposed by rehabilitation specialists
D) Steadfast optimism and a positive attitude
TB_18_21_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following describes the component of successful aging that involves a willingness to learn new things?
A) Cognitive adventurousness
B) Social engagement
C) Cognitive dissonance
D) Acceptance of changes
507
TB_18_22_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which component of social support seems to be most meaningful to elderly adults?
A) Knowing that others can be depended upon to help when their assistance is needed
B) The opportunity to reciprocate and give support as well as receive it
C) The frequency of social contacts with friends, family, and community members
D) Instrumental support, such as help with chores, rather than emotional support
TB_18_23_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is an effect of volunteerism upon older adults?
A) Increased mortality rate
B) Increased extroversion and decreased introversion in personality
C) Improved life satisfaction
D) Decreased health
TB_18_24_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is one of the components of successful aging outlined in your text?
A) Rehabilitation
B) Stasis
C) Coping with disappointment
D) Mental activity
TB_18_25_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Mahmoud’s grandparents ask him to help them buy a computer and teach them how to use the internet. Which of the
following terms describes Mahmoud’s grandparents’ readiness to learn something new?
A) Social engagement
B) Cognitive adventurousness
C) Geriatric thymia
D) Super cognition
508
TB_18_26_The Successful Aging Paradigm_LO 18.3_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is a characteristic that is known to predict high life satisfaction among older adults?
A) Unfavorable comparisons to others of the same age
B) An extroverted personality
C) Self-ratings of health
D) Perceptions that important aspects of life, such as income or social support, are inadequate
TB_18_27_Religious Coping_LO 18.4_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is the tendency to turn to religious beliefs and institutions for support in times of difficulty?
A) Religiosity
B) Religious coping
C) Tribulatory spirituality
D) Superstitious religiosity
TB_18_28_Religious Coping_LO 18.4_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is a true statement?
A) Religious coping mechanisms are only successful if they are instituted in the young adult years.
B) Affiliation with a religious community is linked to high reported levels of well-being among White Americans,
but not among other racial groups.
C) African Americans suffering from cancer are less likely to be depressed if they are involved in a religious
community.
D) Among different racial groups, Hispanic Americans tend to have the highest rates of religious coping skills.
TB_18_29_Religious Coping_LO 18.4_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following individuals is more likely to turn to religion for comfort in times of stress?
A) Mai Ling, an Asian American woman who is 76 years old
B) Della Reed, an African American grandmother who is 83 years old
C) Michael Smith, a Caucasian American CEO who is 63 years old
D) Albert DeNida, a 72-year-old Italian-American who recently emigrated to the United States
509
TB_18_30_Religious Coping_LO 18.4_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is the best definition of spirituality?
A) A general tendency to focus on aspects of life that transcend one’s physical existence
B) Belonging to a mainstream religious group
C) The adherence to a strictly defined set of beliefs
D) A tendency to focus on the philosophical aspects of one’s physical existence
TB_18_31_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
What is the term used for living in a noninstitutional environment to which appropriate modifications have been
made for the elderly individual?
A) Aging in place
B) Modified aging
C) Homebound aging
D) Home health maintenance
TB_18_32_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is correct regarding the nature of marital status and living arrangements in late adulthood in
the United States?
A) The normal expectation for a woman is that she will eventually be without an intimate partner or spouse.
B) Older men are more likely to live alone than older women.
C) In the United States, living alone is the least common and the least preferred living arrangement among
unmarried elders.
D) Most elders with mild to moderate disability or health problems live with relatives.
510
TB_18_33_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is unlikely to be an important factor to consider when an aging adult must decide whether or
not to live with an adult child?
A) Social network access
B) General health, such as need for assistance with ADLs
C) Income level and requirements
D) The characteristics of the adult child with whom the individual will live
TB_18_34_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
An independent living community is one in which all residents are
A) over a certain age.
B) single, widowed or divorced.
C) in need of supervision.
D) members of the same social or religious group.
TB_18_35_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Mrs. Barnes is a 74-year-old healthy widow who has a good retirement pension. She most likely lives
A) alone.
B) in a nursing home or other form of institutional care.
C) with a sibling.
D) with a son, daughter, or other family member.
TB_18_36_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Mr. Jones is a healthy 75-year-old widower who lives independently on his comfortable pension. What factor is
most likely to cause a change in his independent living status?
A) Being encouraged by his son to join his son’s household and spend more time with his grandchildren
B) Development of a mild or moderate disability or health problems such as diabetes
C) Development of a significant health problem
D) A decrease in his pension income and financial circumstances
511
TB_18_37_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Nick and Kathy love to play golf and swim. They recently moved to an apartment complex in Florida where
everyone is about their age or perhaps a little older. They live autonomously but share common interests with their
many neighbors and enjoy socializing on an almost daily basis. Nick and Kathy are probably living in which of the
following?
A) A skilled nursing facility
B) An assisted living center
C) A CCRC
D) An independent living community
TB_18_38_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Bertie is pretty spry and she likes her independence, which is considerable for a 94-year-old. Still, she is not able to
cook for herself anymore and has some difficulty with certain activities of daily living. Miss Bertie might be a good
candidate for living in which of the following?
A) A home-health facility
B) A nursing home
C) A skilled nursing center
D) An assisted living facility
TB_18_39_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is for elderly adults who need more assistance than is available at an independent living
community, but are not in need of constant supervision?
A) Nursing home care
B) Assisted living
C) Nursing center care
D) Outpatient care
512
TB_18_40_Research Report_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following describes a common belief in Asian cultures, which holds that children have the
responsibility to care for their aging parents?
A) Familial cohesion
B) Filial piety
C) Collectivism
D) Paternal devotion
TB_18_41_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is another name for a nursing home?
A) Assisted living center
B) Skilled nursing facility
C) ADL assistance living
D) Home-health center
TB_18_42_Living Arrangements_LO 18.5_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following offers a continuum of care ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care?
A) Continuing-care retirement communities
B) Dependent living facilities
C) Assisted living centers
D) Home-health facilities
TB_18_43_Partnerships_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following represents the normal expectation for a man in late adulthood?
A) That he will live an average of five to ten years as a widower
B) That he will live alone until he experiences health problems that will cause him to enter institutional care
C) That he will live with a spouse or intimate partner until he dies
D) That he will live alone until he has difficulty performing activities of daily living, at which time he will live with
family members
513
TB_18_44_Partnerships_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is the normal expectation for a woman in late adulthood?
A) That she will live with her spouse or intimate partner until she dies
B) That she will live with her spouse until she begins to experience health problems, at which time she will move in
with a child or family member
C) That she will live with her spouse until she has difficulty performing activities of daily living, at which time she
will move to a nursing home
D) That she will live alone, even if she experiences health problems or mild to moderate disability
TB_18_45_Developmental Science at Home_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is true regarding elder abuse in the United States?
A) Abuse by spouses is half as likely as abuse by children.
B) Physical abuse is most likely to be directed at elders who have some type of dementia.
C) Abuse of elders is a common family interaction pattern in the United States.
D) Financial dependency of the abuser on the victim is a risk factor for abuse.
TB_18_46_Developmental Science at Home_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
According to current estimates, approximately what percentage of U.S. elders is physically abused?
A) Between 2% and 10%
B) Between 12% and 20%
C) Between 22% and 30%
D) Between 32% and 40%
TB_18_47_Developmental Science at Home_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is unlikely to be a risk factor associated with elder abuse?
A) Mental illness or alcoholism in the abuser
B) Financial dependency of the abuser on the victim
C) Significant financial resources controlled by the abuser
D) Social isolation
514
TB_18_48_Partnerships_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is an accurate description of partner relationships in later life?
A) According to research, marital satisfaction is lower in the late adult years than when children are still at home.
B) Older adult couples typically are not sexually active.
C) Older couples report lower levels of conflict in their relationships than do middle-aged couples.
D) Married older adults who spend less time with their spouses report high levels of happiness.
TB_18_49_Partnerships_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
What is true of single elder adults whose single status is the result of divorce?
A) They have higher mortality rates than those who were widowed or never married.
B) They have higher rates of satisfaction than those who were never married.
C) They have lower rates of depression and suicide than those who were never married.
D) They are less likely to be disconnected from their families than those were widowed.
TB_18_50_Partnerships_LO 18.6_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following is true regarding the positive effects of marriage on physical and psychological functioning
of older adults?
A) They exist for men, but there are no benefits for older women.
B) Those that were seen in early and middle adulthood have largely disappeared by late adulthood.
C) They are greater for women than for men.
D) They occur among both women and men, but are generally greater for men than women.
515
TB_18_51_Family Relationships and Friendships_LO 18.7_APA LO 1.1
Which statement most accurately describes the relationships of older adults and their children?
A) Very few adults over age 65 have regular contact or spend time with their children.
B) Older adults who need aid or assistance that cannot be provided by a spouse typically rely on friends, neighbors,
and community agencies for the services they need.
C) Most contacts between older adults and their children occur in order to fulfill obligations and a sense of duty.
D) Good relationships and regular contact between older adults and their children are not essential for happiness or
life satisfaction in old age.
TB_18_52_Family Relationships and Friendships_LO 18.7_APA LO 1.1
Which of the following best summarizes the research findings regarding older adults’ relationships with their
children?
A) Healthy relationships with their children contribute to happiness and well-being, but are not necessary for it.
B) When relationships with children are warm and caring, the older adult is more likely to be healthy and happy.
C) Relationships with adult children are very important in collectivist cultures, but not in individualistic cultures.
D) Most older adults rely more on their adult children for help and support than anyone else.
TB_18_53_Family Relationships and Friendships_LO 18.7_APA LO 1.1
About 65% of the elderly in the United States live ________ of at least one of their children.
A) within 50 miles
B) within about an hour
C) within walking distance
D) within 15 minutes
TB_18_54_Family Relationships and Friendships_LO 18.7_APA LO 1.1
Compared to the relationship between an older adult and her adult children, the relationship between an older adult
and her friends is least likely to
A) feature shared activities.
B) provide opportunities for fun and companionship.
C) be reciprocal or equitable.