Title: Early Adulthood
Course: Question Banks

Q: Which developmental tasks involve establishing one's own life and setting one's own likes, dislikes, preferences, and beliefs?
- Developing emotional stability and establishing a career. (Incorrect. Developing emotional stability actually involves becoming more stable and consistent in one's patterns of emotions and emotional expression while establishing a career actually involves deciding on and pursuing a career or a career direction.)
- Finding intimacy and becoming part of a group or community. (Incorrect. Finding intimacy actually involves establishing close, long-term relationships while becoming part of a group or community actually involves choosing to participate in organizations or organized activities.)
- Establishing a residence and managing a household. (Incorrect. Establishing a residence and managing a household actually involve learning how to create and maintain an effective budget as well as maintain the home.)
- Achieving autonomy and establishing identity. (Correct! Achieving autonomy involves establishing oneself as an independent person with his/her own life, and establishing identity involves establishing one's own concrete preferences and personal philosophies.)
A: Achieving autonomy and establishing identity.

Q: If Gabe, a 23-year old musician, is interested in seeking out a romantic partner and having a committed relationship, which developmental task is he beginning to fulfill?
- Achieving autonomy. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves establishing oneself as an independent person with a life of one's own.)
- Becoming part of a group. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves the individual voluntarily joining a local group or organization and engaging with that group on a regular basis.)
- Establishing identity. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves firming up one's own likes, dislikes, preferences, and beliefs.)
- Finding intimacy. (Correct! This developmental task involves the forming of close relationships that eventually become long-term relationships. These can be of a romantic or friendship in nature.)
A: Finding intimacy.

Q: When Cece graduates from high school, she’s determined to take all of the required classes to become an occupational therapist. Which developmental task is Cece fulfilling?
- Establishing identity. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves more firmly establishing one's own likes, dislikes, preferences, and beliefs.)
- Becoming part of a group or community. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves voluntarily joining a local group or organization and engaging with that group on a regular basis.)
- Achieving autonomy. (Incorrect. This developmental task actually involves establishing oneself as an independent person with a life of one's own.)
- Establishing a career. (Correct! This developmental task involves not only selecting a career but also taking steps to obtain the education necessary for it.)
A: Establishing a career.

Q: During early adulthood
- there are not many developmental tasks to keep individuals busy. (Incorrect. Young adults are busy with many developmental tasks.)
- everyone takes on the same adult roles at the same exact time. (Incorrect. There is variation among young adults in which developmental tasks they accomplish and when.)
- individuals are too old to seek formal education. (Incorrect: Many young adults are continuing their education.)
- some individuals are married, having children, and learning to maintain their own households. (Correct! Early adulthood developmental tasks include forming intimate relationships, having children, and establishing their own residences.)
A: some individuals are married, having children, and learning to maintain their own households.

Q: Which of the following accurately describes normal physical development during the early part of early adulthood (early twenties)?
- Reproductive system, motor ability, strength, and lung capacity are declining. (Incorrect. Remember, during this point in early adulthood, a healthy individual tends to be at his/her physical peak.)
- Strength begins to decline, but motor ability and lung capacity remain strong. (Incorrect. During the early part of early adulthood, healthy individuals are actually at their physical peak, which includes optimal strength.)
- Motor ability begins to decline, but strength and lung capacity remain strong. (Incorrect. During the early part of early adulthood, healthy individuals are actually at their physical peak, which includes optimal motor ability.)
- Reproductive system, motor ability, strength, and lung capacity are at their best. (Correct! During this point of early adulthood, healthy individuals are generally at their physical peak.)
A: Reproductive system, motor ability, strength, and lung capacity are at their best.

Q: Which of the following is a major risk associated with weight gain during early to middle adulthood?
- Lung cancer. (Incorrect. Although certain health behaviors during this point in development may be associated with lung cancer, its occurrence is generally not directly associated with weight gain.)
- Diabetes. (Incorrect. Although weight gain can contribute to the development of diabetes, there are numerous other dietary factors that are also involved.)
- Decreased lung capacity. (Incorrect. Although lung capacity does tend to decrease throughout adulthood, it is more of a regular part of aging that it is attributable to weight gain during early adulthood.)
- Chronic disease. (Correct! Medical research has revealed that both men and women with moderate weight gain during this point in development experience a significant increase in their risk of developing a major chronic disease.)
A: Chronic disease.

Q: Which of the following statements is true about physical development throughout early adulthood?
- It begins at its worst, then tends to begin improving due to the inevitable effects of aging. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, early adulthood usually begins with the individual being at his or her physical peak, and this then declines gradually as he or she progresses into the next developmental stage.)
- It remains the same throughout this entire developmental stage. (Incorrect. Physical development goes through general changes during this period of development and does not remain the same.)
- It depends on gender, as it differs between men and women substantially. (Incorrect. Although there are differences in physical development during this time for men and women, the general trends are fairly consistent between genders.)
- It begins at its peak, then tends to begin declining due to inevitable effects of aging. (Correct! Individuals are said to be at their physical peak during the early part of early adulthood, but this peak begins to decline over time as the individual reaches middle adulthood.)
A: It begins at its peak, then tends to begin declining due to inevitable effects of aging.

Q: Which of the following is the leading cause of death for individuals during early adulthood?
- Cancer (Incorrect. Although cancer has been found to be a factor in early adulthood deaths, it is not the leading cause.)
- Heart disease (Incorrect. Although heart disease can certainly happen in early adulthood, this time in development tends to be relatively healthy, and heart disease is not common.)
- Stroke (Incorrect. Although strokes can happen to individuals during this stage of development, they are not prevalent enough to have been identified as a leading cause of death.)
- Unintentional injury (Correct! Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death in early adulthood since there is an increased tendency for individuals to engage in risky behaviors.)
A: Unintentional injury

Q: Which of the following risky behaviors has been identified as a key influence on the occurrence of violent deaths in early adulthood?
- Sexual assaults (Incorrect. Although sexual assaults have been found to be common during this stage of development, they are not a key influence in violent deaths.)
- Domestic violence (Incorrect. Although domestic violence does happen during this stage of development, it is not a key factor in violent deaths.)
- Poor diet (Incorrect. Although it is true that many individuals in early adulthood struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, the effects of this do not lead to violent deaths.)
- Substance abuse (Correct! Substance abuse, which peaks during early adulthood, has a major impact on violent deaths such as unintentional injuries, overdoses, and even suicides.)
A: Substance abuse

Q: Risky sexual behavior tends to be prevalent during early adulthood. This puts individuals at increased risk of ________
- depression (Incorrect. Although depression does occur in early adulthood, it is not a risk that is increased directly by risky sexual behavior.)
- homicide (Incorrect. Although homicides are a relatively common cause of death during this stage of development, it is not directly facilitated by risky sexual behavior.)
- alcohol poisoning (Incorrect. Although alcohol poisoning is likely during early adulthood, the risk of occurrence is not increased by risky sexual behavior.)
- STDs (Correct! Risky sexual behavior involves having sex with multiple partners, failing to use a condom, and having sex with someone who's history is unknown. All of these increase the risk of contracting an STD.)
A: STDs

Q: How does sexual responsiveness tend to differ between men and women during early adulthood?
- Women tend to reach their peak sexual responsiveness before men. (Incorrect. Remember, women often tend not to reach their peak sexual responsiveness until their late 30s or early 40s. Factors are believed to include greater self-confidence for many women at that time, as well as reduced inhibitions about sexuality.)
- Men always experience a higher level of sexual responsiveness than women. (Incorrect. Although this may be true at certain points in development, sexual responsiveness for men tends to start declining by the late 30s or early 40s.)
- Sexual responsiveness does not differ between men and women. (Incorrect. Sexual responsiveness does differ between men and women, such that peak sexual responsiveness is reached at different points during this stage.)
- Men tend to reach their peak sexual responsiveness before women. (Correct! Men tend to reach peak sexual responsiveness in their late teens and early twenties, while women tend to reach theirs in their late 30s or early 40s. Factors are believed to include greater self-confidence for many women at that time, as well as reduced inhibitions about sexuality.)
A: Men tend to reach their peak sexual responsiveness before women.

Q: What is the most common male factor in infertility cases?
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (Incorrect. Remember, this disease is experienced by women, not men. It can create a blockage in the fallopian tubes, which prevents pregnancy or makes conception difficult.)
- Endometriosis (Incorrect. Remember, this is something that women experience, not men. It can cause fallopian tubes to become blocked, thereby preventing pregnancy, or making it difficult to conceive.)
- Gonorrhea (Incorrect. Although gonorrhea can be experienced by both men and women, it contributes mainly to female infertility rather than male. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can prevent conception.)
- Low sperm production (Correct! Low sperm production, or in some cases lack of sperm production, is the most common cause of infertility in men.)
A: Low sperm production

Q: What is the most common female factor in infertility cases?
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (Incorrect. Although pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to infertility by causing blocked fallopian tubes, it is not as common as ovulation disorder.)
- Chlamydia trachomatis (Incorrect. Although chlamydia trachomatis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and thereby contribute to infertility, it is not the most common factor.)
- Gonorrhea (Incorrect. Although gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, and thereby cause infertility, it is not the most common factor.)
- Ovulation disorder (Correct! This has been found to be the most common female factor in infertility cases, and it prevents the woman from ovulating regularly.)
A: Ovulation disorder

Q: What is the defining characteristic of formal operational thought?
- The inability to think abstractly (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. An inability to think abstractly is not characteristic of formal operational thought.)
- Considering only what has happened (Incorrect. Remember, formal operational thought goes beyond consideration of events that have already occurred.)
- Considering only the negative outcomes (Incorrect. Remember, formal operational thought is not necessarily limited to either negative or positive outcomes.)
- The ability to think abstractly (Correct! The defining characteristic of formal operational thought is the ability to think abstractly, which means to consider possibilities and ideas about things that the individual has never directly experienced.)
A: The ability to think abstractly

Q: What is one way that postformal thought differs from formal thought?
- It is less individualistic (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, postformal thought tends to begin during the late 30s, during which time the individual becomes more independent and confident in his/her sense of self.)
- It is more negative (Incorrect. Remember, focusing on the negative or positive is not a defining feature of formal or postformal thought.)
- It is more positive (Incorrect. Remember, formal vs. postformal thought are not characterized by a focus on the negative or positive.)
- It is more individualistic (Correct! Postformal thought tends to be more individualistic because individuals at this stage tend to have developed a strong sense of self, and tend to be less influenced by what others think.)
A: It is more individualistic

Q: According to Perry's scheme, what is the order of the progressive types of cognition that are prevalent during early adulthood?
- Multiplicity, dualism, and relativism (Incorrect. Remember, according to Perry's scheme, cognition tends to become increasingly abstract and complex throughout adulthood, beginning with dualism, which is an absolute type of thinking.)
- Relativism, multiplicity, and dualism (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, according to Perry's scheme, cognition tends to become increasingly abstract and complex throughout adulthood. Relativism is actually the most complex and abstract of these types of thinking.)
- Relativism, dualism, multiplicity (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, according to Perry's scheme, cognition tends to become increasingly abstract and complex throughout adulthood. Multiplicity is not the most complex and abstract type of thinking.)
- Dualism, multiplicity, and relativism (Correct! According to Perry's scheme, thinking becomes increasingly abstract and complex throughout adulthood. Dualism is an absolute type of thinking, while multiplicity involves the recognition that some problems are solvable while others are not. Relativism involves the recognition that everything is relative but not necessarily equally valid.)
A: Dualism, multiplicity, and relativism

Q: What does dialectical thought involve?
- Seeing issues in dichotomous categories. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. This actually describes dialectical thought, which is less complex than dialectical thought.)
- Considering others in terms of strengths and weaknesses. (Incorrect. Although this is more complex than the dichotomous thought associated with adolescence, dialectical thought is actually even more complex than this.)
- Evaluating reality based on education and experiences. (Incorrect. Although this is more complex than the dichotomous thought associated with adolescence, this type of thought that occurs in early adulthood is not characteristic of dialectical thought.)
- Creating new ideas from opposing viewpoints. (Correct! Dialectical thought is one of the most advanced aspects of postformal thinking, and it involves synthesizing the key aspects of opposing points of view to create new ideas.)
A: Creating new ideas from opposing viewpoints.

Q: How does the dialectical thought of adulthood differ from the dichotomous thought of adolescence?
- It is less complex. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, dialectical thought is both in-depth and abstract.)
- It is more positive. (Incorrect. Dialectical thought is not necessarily more positive in nature than dichotomous thought.)
- It is more negative. (Incorrect. Dialectical thought is not necessarily more negative in nature than dichotomous thought.)
- It is more complex. (Correct! Dialectical thought involves creating new ideas from opposing viewpoints, by synthesizing elements of each. This is considered to be the highest level of complex thought. During adolescence, however, individuals tend to engage in a more simple form of thought, in which events, people, situations, etc. are viewed in dichotomous ways such as good or bad.)
A: It is more complex.

Q: Which of the following describes the emphasis of most postformal thought theories?
- Adults' ability to tolerate ambiguity and find the positive elements of any situation. (Incorrect. Remember, postformal thought does not involve finding the positive aspects of situations.)
- Adults' inability to tolerate ambiguity, accept contradictions, and find new problems. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, a major part of postformal thought is the adult's ability to tolerate ambiguity.)
- Adults' inability to tolerate ambiguity and find the positive elements of any situation. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, an important component of this form of complex thinking involves tolerating ambiguity.)
- Adults' ability to tolerate ambiguity, accept contradictions, and find new problems. (Correct! Although the theories on postformal thought are varied, the ability of adults to tolerate ambiguity, accept contradictions, and find new problems tend to be unifying points of emphasis.)
A: Adults' ability to tolerate ambiguity, accept contradictions, and find new problems.

Q: What general change has occurred since 1940 in the percent of the American population age 25 and older that has completed a high school or higher level of education?
- It has decreased (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, each generation has tended to earn (and possibly need) more education than those prior.)
- There has been no significant change. (Incorrect. The percentage of the American population age 25 and older that has completed high school or higher level of education has not stayed the same since 1940.)
- Researchers believe it is increasing, but there is no available data from before 1960 for comparison. (Incorrect. This trend is known, as this information is collected through the US Census Bureau on a regular basis.)
- It has increased (Correct! In 1940 it was estimated that approximately 24% of adults over 25 had completed high school or a higher level of education. This percentage is now up to 90% in recent years.)
A: It has increased

Q: With all races combined, how does the college graduation rate compare between men and women?
- Women are slightly less likely to have graduated from college than men. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, men are not more likely to have a college degree than women.)
- There is no difference in the college graduation rate between men and women. (Incorrect. Remember, the college graduation rate does vary between the genders.)
- This information is usually not provided by colleges, and this comparison remains unknown. (Incorrect. Colleges almost always report this kind of information, so this comparison can be made.)
- Women are slightly more likely to have graduated from college than men. (Correct! When race is not accounted for, women are a little more likely to have a college degree than men.)
A: Women are slightly more likely to have graduated from college than men.

Q: According to Census data from 2017, which of the following racial groups had the highest rate of college attendance?
- Caucasian (Incorrect. Although CCaucasians are prevalent in this group, they did not comprise the highest rate of college attendance. In fact, they comprised only 67.1%.)
- Hispanics (Incorrect. Although Hispanics are part of this group, they did not comprise the highest rate of college attendance. In fact, they comprised 61%.)
- Blacks (Incorrect. Although Blacks constitute a large portion of this group, they did not comprise the highest rate of college attendance. In fact, they comprised 59.4%.)
- Asian (Correct! US Census data showed that Asian students comprised about 83% of the students enrolled in college who had graduated high school between January and October of 2017. This was a larger percentage than any other racial group.)
A: Asian

Q: Which of the following describes the relationship between earning potential and educational achievement?
- Higher educational achievement is associated with lower earning potential. (Incorrect. This does not describe the relationship between earning potential and educational achievement. Remember, individuals with only a high school education were found to earn less than $40,000, while those with advanced college degrees were found to earn over $90,000.)
- There is no relationship between earning potential and educational achievement. (Incorrect. Although educational achievement is not a sole determinant of earning potential, there is a relationship present between these variables.)
- This information is not available. (Incorrect. There is actually quite a bit of data available and collected on this topic.)
- Higher educational achievement is associated with higher earning potential. (Correct! Individuals with higher levels of education tend to have greater earning potential. For example, in 2016 the average earnings for Americans 25 and older with only a high school education was $35,615, but for those with a bachelor's degree it was $65,482, and for those with more advanced degrees it was $92,525.)
A: Higher educational achievement is associated with higher earning potential.

Q: Of the following individuals, which one would be likely to have the highest earning potential?
- A college graduate who obtained an associate degree. (Incorrect. Remember, having a college degree doesn't always mean that the individual will have the highest earning potential.)
- A high school graduate who obtained a local diploma. (Incorrect. Remember, there is a positive relationship between earning potential and education level. Even a high school diploma would not maximize earning potential the same as a different type of degree would.)
- A high school graduate who obtained an advanced regents diploma. (Incorrect. Remember, earning potential is positively correlated with education level. Even an advanced regents high school diploma would not fully maximize earning potential the way another type of degree would.)
- A college graduate who obtained a master’s and a doctoral degree. (Correct! There is a generally positive relationship between earning potential and education level. This means that individuals with advanced college degrees will have higher earning potentials than those with less education.)
A: A college graduate who obtained a master’s and a doctoral degree.

Q: Which of the following skill sets have employers indicated that current college graduates might be lacking?
- Job-related skills (Incorrect. Employers tend not to perceive current college graduates as lacking in skills that relate specifically to their job and their degree.)
- Proficiency in another language (Incorrect. Although this skill does tend to be useful in many jobs due to the expansion of the global marketplace, this is not a skill that employers have identified as lacking in current college graduates.)
- Job-related knowledge (Incorrect. Employers do not tend to perceive current college graduates as lacking in knowledge that relates specifically to their job and their degree.)
- Professionalism and work ethic (Correct! It has been found that current college graduates perceive themselves as being adequately competent in these areas, but employers perceived them as being far less competent.)
A: Professionalism and work ethic

Q: According to Erikson's theory, what does intimacy involve?
- Losing one's own self-identity (Incorrect. Intimacy, as Erikson described it, did not involve losing any aspect of one's self-identity.)
- Valuing greater interdependence (Incorrect. Valuing interdependence is actually a characteristic of some collectivistic cultures, typically those in Eastern Europe or Asia. However, this is not involved in Erikson's definition of intimacy.)
- Deciding to move in together (Incorrect. Although moving in together is a common step in many romantic relationships, it is not specifically identified in Erikson's definition of intimacy.)
- Caring for another and sharing one's self (Correct! Erikson described intimacy as something that may not necessarily involve romance but instead involves a focus on caring for and sharing one's self with another person.)
A: Caring for another and sharing one's self

Q: What is a common way for young adults to resolve the intimacy vs. isolation crisis without engaging in a romantic relationship?
- Family ties (Incorrect. Although family ties are an important part of a healthy young adult's life, they do not usually fulfill the individual's need for intimacy, as Erikson described it.)
- Learning to be alone (Incorrect. Although learning to function independently is an important part of being an adult, this is not a way that the need for intimacy is fulfilled.)
- Focusing on the future (Incorrect. Although a focus on the future is common in early adulthood, it is not involved in solving the intimacy vs. isolation crisis.)
- Friendships (Correct! In the early part of young adulthood, many individuals fulfill their needs for intimacy (as Erikson described it) through friendships. These may be with individuals of the same gender or different gender.)
A: Friendships

Q: According to Erikson, what is necessary before the intimacy vs. isolation crisis can be solved successfully?
- All friendships must cease. (Incorrect. Although it is true that friendships sometimes end or change as a result of the intimacy vs. isolation crisis, Erikson did not suggest that this is necessary.)
- The individual must get married. (Incorrect. Although marriage sometimes happens as a result of the intimacy vs. isolation crisis, Erikson did not suggest that it is necessary for this crisis to be resolved.)
- Same-sex friendships must cease. (Incorrect. Although same-sex friendships sometimes do cease when an individual becomes established with a romantic partner, Erikson did not suggest that this needed to happen in order to resolve the intimacy vs. isolation crisis successfully.)
- Identity must be established. (Correct! Erikson maintained that before one can achieve intimacy and thus solve the intimacy vs. isolation crisis, he or she must first have successfully established a self-identity.)
A: Identity must be established.

Q: According to Levinson's theory, which of the following is the major source of motivation for young adults?
- Dreams about buying a house. (Incorrect. Although this can be motivating for some adults, it does not apply to all. Remember, the source of motivation identified by Levinson was more general.)
- Dreams about career advancement. (Incorrect. This can be motivating for some adults, but it does not apply to all. The sample interviewed by Levinson was comprised of only men, so although this emerged as a trend in responses, it was not possible to generalize it to all genders. Remember, the source of motivation identified by Levinson was more general.)
- A mental image of leaving home. (Incorrect. Although leaving home and establishing independence is an important aspect of young adult life, it is not the main source of motivation identified in Levinson's theory. Remember, this source of motivation was more general.)
- A mental image of the future. (Correct! Levinson's theory suggested that young adults are motivated by their vision of the future, which he called "the dream." According to the men interviewed by Levinson's this image of the future was based on how they expected their careers to progress and where they expected to be at midlife.)
A: A mental image of the future.

Q: Which of the following describes a key theme in Levinson's theory?
- Investing in family commitments. (Incorrect. Although investing in family commitments is often an important part of young adulthood, it is not a key theme in Levinson's theory. Remember, the key theme in Levinson's theory is more general, and is reflected throughout the entire developmental stage rather than just one aspect of it.)
- Transitioning to middle adulthood. (Incorrect. Although transitioning to middle life is an aspect of young adulthood, it is typically a theme that emerges toward the end of this stage. The key theme in Levinson's theory is more general and tends to be reflected throughout the entirety of this stage.)
- Completing the age 30 transition. (Incorrect. Although this is an important part of young adulthood, it is more of an isolated occurrence than a general theme.)
- Creating and recreating plans. (Correct! A key aspect of Levinson's theory is that young adults often make plans that seem perfect, but turn out differently in practice. This brings about the need to revise the plans, and sometimes recreate them entirely. According to Levinson's theory, an important part of young adulthood is this creation and recreation of plans.)
A: Creating and recreating plans.

Q: An individual has left home and made initial career and education choices. He is now committing to an occupation, further defining his goals, and seeking intimate relationships. Which of Levinson's stages does this reflect?
- Age 30 transition (Incorrect. Remember, this stage actually involves reevaluating previous choices and sometimes making modifications, as well as changing or developing one's attitude toward love and work.)
- Settling down (Incorrect. Remember, this stage actually involves reinvesting in work and family commitments, while also becoming more involved in the community.)
- Midlife transition (Incorrect. Remember, this stage actually involves reevaluating previous commitments, making drastic changes if necessary, giving expression to previously ignored talents or aspirations, and feeling more of a sense of urgency about life and its meaning.)
- Entering the adult world (Correct! During this stage of Levinson's theory, an individual commits to whatever initial occupation he/she has chosen, hones some of his/her goals from previous years, and begins to focus on finding meaningful, intimate relationships.)
A: Entering the adult world

Q: What does "emerging adulthood" describe?
- An expedited transitional period into early adulthood (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, emerging adulthood was created to describe the way in which young adults are now tending to take longer to accomplish tasks associated with becoming independent and entering adulthood.)
- A prolonged transitional period into middle adulthood (Incorrect. Remember, Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood was created with a focus on early adulthood, not middle adulthood.)
- An expedited transitional period into middle adulthood (Incorrect. Remember, Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood was created with a focus on early adulthood, not middle adulthood. It also did not refer to expedited transitions.)
- A prolonged transitional period into early adulthood (Correct! Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood was created to describe the way in which young adults in our society today are taking longer to accomplish the early adulthood tasks associated with becoming independent.)
A: A prolonged transitional period into early adulthood

Q: What is the main idea of Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood?
- Individuals return to adolescence after entering adulthood (Incorrect. This theory does not involve going backward in developmental stages. Remember, it involves a change in the transition from one stage to the next.)
- Individuals fail to ever fully transition into adulthood (Incorrect. This theory does not suggest that individuals become permanently stuck at any one stage. Remember, it involves a change in how individuals transition from one stage to the next.)
- The transition from adolescence to adulthood has become faster (Incorrect. Although this theory does refer to a change in the transition from adolescence to adulthood, it does not suggest that this transition happens any faster.)
- A new life stage has emerged between adolescence and adulthood (Correct! In the past half-century, the transition from adolescence to adulthood has started to take longer than it once did, due to a variety of factors, both economic and social. This prolonged transition has gradually developed into a new stage during which the individual has progressed out of adolescence, but has not quite fulfilled the tasks necessary for adulthood to begin.)
A: A new life stage has emerged between adolescence and adulthood

Q: Which of the following is a distinctive feature of emerging adulthood?
- Stability (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, stability is often something that individuals desire to achieve as they progress through the developmental stages, and this desire often tends to increase over time, but it tends to take a long time to achieve fully.)
- Complete independence (Incorrect. Although this is often desired by individuals during this time, certain economic and social trends have made it so this takes longer to achieve.)
- Final career selection (Incorrect. Although individuals in this stage do tend to be seeking job or career stability, there are many factors such as education requirements and job availability that cause this not to be achieved until later stages.)
- Instability (Correct! Instability is a key distinguishing feature of emerging adulthood, as the individual tends to feel uncertain in regards to things like employment, career choice, and living arrangements. Although most individuals want to feel a sense of stability in regards to these factors, the period of emerging adulthood that has begun to occur after adolescence marks a time when many situational elements have made such stability less feasible.)
A: Instability

Q: Arnett proposed the following concept/stage to describe recent increases in ages when some individuals in our society take on adult roles such as establishing their own households, finishing their education, and having children:
- Peter Pan syndrome (Incorrect. Arnett proposed a new transitional stage from adolescence to early adulthood.)
- middle adolescence (Incorrect. This is not a term that is commonly used in adolescence.)
- young-old (Incorrect. The young-old is an age group that occurs in late adulthood. .)
- emerging adulthood (Correct! Arnett proposed this new developmental stage after adolescence.)
A: emerging adulthood

Q: Which of the following statements about Arnett's "emerging adulthood" concept is true?
- Most individuals described as being in the "emerging adulthood" phase report that they already feel like they are adults. (Incorrect. Most emerging adults interviewed do not feel like they are grown up yet.)
- It helps to explain why many individuals in our society today are getting married and starting families at younger ages. (Incorrect. Emerging adulthood relates to the fact that many Americans are waiting longer to get married and start families.)
- Research has proven that emerging adulthood is a universal stage found in all cultures and socioeconomic groups today. (Incorrect. Emerging adulthood describes more individuals in developed countries and relatively higher socioeconomic status (SES) groups than those in developing countries and lower SES groups.)
- It is meant to describe the lives of many 18-25 year olds in our society today. (Correct! Emerging adulthood describes the general transition patterns from adolescence to early adulthood in America today.)
A: It is meant to describe the lives of many 18-25 year olds in our society today.

Q: According to Sternberg's theory of love, a relationship that includes strong displays of caring, closeness, and emotional support would be said to have a high level of which component of love?
- Passion (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, passion is actually characterized by physical attraction, emotional responses that lead to physiological changes, and sexual arousal.)
- Commitment (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, commitment is actually characterized by the cognitive process and decision to commit to love another person and the willingness to work to keep that love over the course of your life.)
- Stability (Incorrect. Although stability is something many individuals seek in their intimate relationships during adulthood, it is not a component of Sternberg's theory.)
- Intimacy (Correct! In Sternberg's theory, caring, closeness, and emotional support all comprise intimacy.)
A: Intimacy

Q: Janae and Elliot have a relationship in which physical attraction and sexual arousal are prevalent. According to Sternberg's theory of love, their relationship would be said to have a high level of which component of love?
- Intimacy (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, intimacy is actually comprised of caring, closeness, and emotional support.)
- Commitment (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, commitment is actually comprised of the cognitive process and decision to commit to love another person and the willingness to work to keep that love over the course of your life.)
- Stability (Incorrect. Although stability is something many individuals seek in their intimate relationships during adulthood, it is not a component of Sternberg's theory.)
- Passion (Correct! In Sternberg's theory, the passion component of love is characterized by physical attraction and sexual arousal.)
A: Passion

Q: Mark and Eric have a relationship in which the individuals have made a decision to stay together and work to keep their love going. According to Sternberg's theory of love, their relationship would be said to exhibit which component of love?
- Passion (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, passion is actually characterized by physical attraction, emotional responses that lead to physiological changes, and sexual arousal.)
- Intimacy (Incorrect. In Sternberg's theory, intimacy is actually comprised of caring, closeness, and emotional support.)
- Stability (Incorrect. Although stability is something many individuals seek in their intimate relationships during adulthood, it is not a component of Sternberg's theory.)
- Commitment (Correct! In Sternberg's theory, this type of decision, mutual agreement, and willingness to work on maintaining a relationship is characteristic of commitment.)
A: Commitment

Q: According to attachment theory, what has been found to influence attachment in adult relationships?
- Number of caregivers (Incorrect. Remember, attachment theory focuses on the interaction between the caregiver and the child, not the number of caregivers the child has.)
- Gender of caregivers (Incorrect. Remember, attachment theory focuses on the ways in which the caregiver and child interact, not the gender of the child's caregivers.)
- Age of caregivers (Incorrect. Remember, attachment theory focuses on the ways in which the caregiver and child interact, not the age of the caregivers.)
- Styles of caregiving (Correct! Attachment theory suggests that the way in which the primary caregiver interacts with a child plays a role in the type of attachment style that an individual develops in his or her adult relationships.)
A: Styles of caregiving

Q: Which of the following is true about attachment styles?
- They cannot change with time and experiences. (Incorrect. Remember, although attachment styles are developed in the early years, they are not necessarily permanent.)
- They can only change for women. (Incorrect. Although attachment styles and attachment style expression may vary with gender, the ability to experience changes in attachment style is not necessarily limited to women.)
- They can only change for men. (Incorrect. Although attachment styles and attachment style expression may vary with gender, the ability to experience changes in attachment style is not necessarily limited to men.)
- They can change with time and experiences. (Correct! Although it is not an easy or quick process, attachment styles can change with the right amount of time and the right types of experiences. An individual with an insecure attachment style, for example, can recover a secure attachment style with the help of a supportive and dependable partner.)
A: They can change with time and experiences.

Q: Xavier tends to be uncomfortable being close to others and finds it difficult to depend on anyone. When he feels like anyone is getting too close, he gets nervous, and his romantic partners often want him to be more intimate than he is comfortable with. What type of attachment style does this reflect?
- Anxious-resistant (Incorrect. Remember, anxious-resistant attachment styles are characterized by a worry that others don't reciprocate when it comes to love, and a tendency to become frustrated with needs that are not met.)
- Secure (Incorrect. Remember, secure attachment styles are characterized by the ability to feel comfortable depending on others and being depended on by others.)
- Incomplete (Incorrect. This is not a recognized style of attachment.)
- Anxious-avoidant (Correct! Anxious-avoidant attachment styles are characterized by a lack of involvement in one's intimate relationships, as well as an unwillingness to depend on others or be depended on.)
A: Anxious-avoidant

Q: Which of the following describes a change that has occurred in recent times in regard to dating and going on dates?
- Dates have become more formal. (Incorrect. In recent years typical dates have not become more formal than they were in years prior. Changes in social trends and norms, as well as the presence of social media, have pushed dating trends in a different direction.)
- Dates generally only occur in the early teen years. (Incorrect. Although dating often does occur in the teen years, it is not limited to this stage.)
- Dates generally only occur in the young adult years. (Incorrect. Although dating does occur during the adult years, it is not limited to this stage.)
- Dates have become less formal. (Correct! In recent years typical dates have begun to be less formal. There is often less planning, making them more spontaneous, and they often involve several couples or a group of friends.)
A: Dates have become less formal.

Q: Which of the following describes a current trend in cohabitation and marriage?
- Cohabitation has been decreasing, while marriage has been increasing. (Incorrect. Remember, in recent years, due to changing social norms, expectations, and other factors, marriage has actually not been increasing.)
- Cohabitation has not changed, but marriage has increased. (Incorrect. Remember, in recent years, new social norms and expectations, along with other factors, have led to changes in cohabitation rates.)
- Cohabitation has increased, but marriage has not changed. (Incorrect. Remember, in recent years, new social norms and expectations, along with other factors, have led to changes in marriage rates.)
- Cohabitation has been increasing, while marriage has been decreasing. (Correct! In recent years, the number of individuals who cohabit has increased, while marriages have decreased. Reasons for this are varied but include changing social norms and expectations, changing gender roles, and economic factors.)
A: Cohabitation has been increasing, while marriage has been decreasing.

Q: Which of the following describes a global trend in marriage?
- Individuals are marrying earlier in life or not at all. (Incorrect. Remember, recent trends do not suggest that marriage is happening earlier in life.)
- Individuals are staying married for longer than in the past. (Incorrect. Although marriage duration may be experiencing changes in recent years, this particular change has not been specifically identified.)
- Individuals are staying married for less time than in the past. (Incorrect. Although marriage decisions have reflected some general changes in recent years, this particular change has not been specifically identified.)
- Individuals are marrying later in life or not at all. (Correct! Around the world, there has been a recent trend in which individuals are getting married later in their lives, or choosing not to get married at all. This has been found to be relatively consistent between cultures and genders.)
A: Individuals are marrying later in life or not at all.

Q: What are the three main categories of influences on parent behavior?
- Gender; developmental history; personality (Incorrect. Although these are relevant to parent behavior, they are all specific examples of parent characteristics, not main categories of parent behavior influences.)
- Gender, birth order, temperament (Incorrect. Although these are relevant to parent behavior, they are all specific examples of child characteristics, not main categories of parent behavior influences.)
- Social network, work setting, neighborhood (Incorrect. Although these are relevant to parent behavior, they are all specific examples of contextual and sociocultural characteristics, not main categories of parent behavior influences.)
- Parent characteristics; child characteristics; contextual and sociocultural characteristics (Correct! Although the specific sources of influence on parent behavior are numerous and varied, they have been found to fall into these three general categories.)
A: Parent characteristics; child characteristics; contextual and sociocultural characteristics

Q: Which of the following describes the difference between the authority stage and the interpretative stage of parenthood?
- The parental role changes from helping their children interpret their social experiences, to creating rules and guiding behavior. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, parental roles involve guiding behavior before they involve help with experience interpretation.)
- The parental role changes from developing an attachment relationship with the child, to creating rules and guiding behavior. (Incorrect. This actually describes the difference between the nurturing stage and the authority stage.)
- The parental role changes from renegotiating their relationship with the child, to evaluating their parental successes and failures. (Incorrect. This actually describes the difference between the interdependent stage and the departure stage.)
- The parental role changes from creating rules and guiding behavior, to helping their children interpret their social experiences. (Correct! During the authority stage, children are at the toddler and preschool levels and need rules and behavior guidance. During the interpretative stage, children are in middle childhood and are beginning to have their own social experiences that they need to understand and process.)
A: The parental role changes from creating rules and guiding behavior, to helping their children interpret their social experiences.

Q: Which of the following describes a key finding in regards to relationship differences between couples that have children and couples that do not?
- Couples with children tend to report higher levels of marital quality. (Incorrect. It looks like you got mixed up. Remember, being parents brings on a new set of challenges that does not always have a positive impact on the marriage or relationship.)
- Couples with children tend to report a lesser sense of well-being. (Incorrect. Remember, despite the challenges, having children has positive impacts for many couples, and it does not necessarily mean their sense of well-being decreases.)
- Couples with children tend to report a lesser sense of positivity. (Incorrect. Remember, although parenting has challenges, it does not necessarily mean that parents will have a diminished sense of positivity.)
- Couples with children tend to report lower levels of marital quality. (Correct! Although not true for all parents, research has shown that couples with children tend to report lower levels of marital quality, which often includes feeling like the relationship is more businesslike than intimate.)
A: Couples with children tend to report lower levels of marital quality.