Human Lifespan Development Flashcards

An adolescent is struggling with questions such as "Who am I?" and is experimenting with different roles, values, and beliefs. According to Erik Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, which conflict is this individual primarily experiencing?

Answer: Identity vs. Role Confusion

Erikson's fifth psychosocial stage, Identity vs. Role Confusion, occurs during adolescence (ages 12-18). The primary task of this stage is for individuals to develop a sense of self and personal identity. Success leads to an ability to stay true to oneself, while failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self.

A preschool teacher observes a 4-year-old child who believes that his stuffed animal is sad because it was left behind at school. This attribution of human feelings to an inanimate object is an example of what concept in Piaget's preoperational stage?

Answer: Animism

Animism is a characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage of cognitive development (ages 2-7). It is the belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities, such as thoughts, feelings, and intentions. The child in this scenario is demonstrating animism by attributing sadness to the stuffed animal.

Which of the following parenting styles is most consistently associated with positive developmental outcomes in children, such as higher self-esteem, better social skills, and academic competence?

Answer: Authoritative

Research consistently shows that the authoritative parenting style is linked to the most positive outcomes in children. Authoritative parents are both demanding and responsive; they set clear standards, enforce rules, and encourage open discussion and independence, which fosters competence and well-being in children.

A family and consumer sciences professional is developing a community program for new parents. To address the multiple environmental factors that influence a child's development, such as family, school, and community resources, they use a theoretical framework developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner. What is this theory called?

Answer: Ecological Systems Theory

Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory posits that development is influenced by a series of interconnected environmental systems, from the immediate environment of family and school (microsystem) to broader societal and cultural values (macrosystem). This model is ideal for understanding the complex interplay of various environmental influences on an individual.

Which of the following is a typical physical change associated with late adulthood?

Answer: Decline in sensory abilities, such as vision and hearing

During late adulthood, primary aging involves inevitable physical changes. These include a decline in the efficiency of sensory organs, leading to issues like presbyopia (farsightedness) and presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). Bone density and muscle mass tend to decrease, lung capacity diminishes, and skin becomes thinner and less elastic.

A middle-aged adult feels a need to contribute to the well-being of the next generation, either through raising children, mentoring, or engaging in work that benefits society. According to Erikson, this individual is navigating which psychosocial crisis?

Answer: Generativity vs. Stagnation

The seventh stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory, Generativity vs. Stagnation, occurs during middle adulthood (ages 40-65). The central conflict involves contributing to the next generation and society (generativity) versus feeling unproductive and uninvolved in the world (stagnation).