Adult Development & Life Stages Flashcards

Disengagement theory, proposed by Cumming and Henry, suggests that successful aging involves:

Answer: Mutual withdrawal between older adults and society

Disengagement theory proposes that aging involves a natural, mutual withdrawal between the individual and society as preparation for death.

A 62-year-old client who recently retired reports high life satisfaction, strong friendships, and active volunteering. This outcome is BEST explained by which aging theory?

Answer: Activity theory

Activity theory holds that continued social engagement and role replacement after role loss (such as retirement) leads to higher life satisfaction in older adults.

Socioemotional selectivity theory (Carstensen) predicts that as adults age, they tend to:

Answer: Prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships over breadth of social contact

Carstensen's theory holds that awareness of limited time motivates older adults to invest in fewer, more emotionally meaningful relationships.

In the ANSA, the 'life domain functioning' dimension would MOST appropriately capture which aspect of adult development?

Answer: An adult's ability to manage daily roles such as employment and family relationships

Life domain functioning in the ANSA captures how well an adult manages key social roles including work, family, and community participation.

Which of the following is a PRIMARY characteristic that distinguishes middle adulthood from young adulthood in developmental psychology?

Answer: Increased concern with generativity and mentoring others

Middle adulthood is characterized by generativity—the desire to guide, mentor, and contribute to future generations—which distinguishes it from young adulthood.

When assessing an older adult using the ANSA, which factor MOST indicates resilience related to life stage transitions?

Answer: Presence of adaptive coping strategies and social support

Resilience in older adults is most strongly indicated by adaptive coping strategies and robust social support networks, even in the face of significant life changes.

A clinician using the ANSA notes a client in their late 60s is struggling with the loss of their occupational identity following retirement. This reflects which theoretical framework?

Answer: Role theory — loss of a central role disrupts self-concept

Role theory explains that occupational identity is a core social role, and its loss through retirement can significantly disrupt an individual's self-concept and well-being.