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Psych 250 Exam 4
Physical and Socioemotional Development in Middle Adulthood
17
Psychology
Not Applicable
04/12/2008

Additional Psychology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

vision changes in middle adulthood

Definition

-weakening in muscle and growth in lens size causes decline in accommodation (ability to focus and maintain an object) creates difficulty in viewing close objects

 

-pupil shrinks and lens yellows limiting ability to see in dim light and color discrimination

 

-reduce blood supply may decrease size of visual field and increase blind spot size

Term
hearing changes in middle adulthood
Definition

14-25% adults ages 45-64 have hearing loss

hereditary and age-related declines

starts with loss at HIGH frequencies

mens declines faster than womens

Term
weight and body changes in middle adulthood
Definition

slowed metabolism

increase in body fat and loss of lean body mass

gradual loss in bone mass and density

disks in spinal column move closer (shrinkage)

Term
sex in middle age
Definition

men:

-reach sexual peak in 20s

-ejaculation becomes less intense for men

-men need more time to recuperate

 

women:

-reach sexual peak in 30s

-feel less sexual due to body changes and menopause

Term
menopause
Definition

~50 estrogen levels drop

ovulation winds down

hot flashes

mood swings

thin/less lubricated vaginal walls

more painful sex

defining marker: no menstruation for 1 yr

 

some women enjoy, no risk of pregnancy and no periods

Term
Erikson's Middle Age Psychosocial Conflict
Definition

generativity vs. stagnation

 

reaching out to others in ways to give to/guide the next generation

making a lasting contribution

highly generative people more fulfilled

 

self-absorption, preoccupied with themselves

Term
4 types of generativity
Definition

biological: give birth

parental: nurturing children

work: skills passed on, mentoring

cultural: creative output, politics

Term
Levinson's Transition to Middle Adulthood (40-45)
Definition

transition is time of turmoil and confusion, work to reevaluate life

 

reconcile 4 opposing tendencies:

young-old

destruction-construction

masculinity-femininity

engagement-separateness

 

successful transition: reduce opposing tendencies

Term
mid-life crisis
Definition

state of physical and psychological distress that arises when developmental tasks threaten to overwhelm a person's internal resources and social support system

 

no evidence that midlife has exceptional stress

 

midlife crisis NOT a universal experience

Term
changes in self-concept and personality
Definition

little change in basic personality

increase in self-acceptance

rise in introspective

increase in autonomy

fewer possible selves (future)

increase in sense of environmental mastery

increase in effective coping strategies

Term
marriages at midlife
Definition

u shaped curve

stage of "stability" or "working through"

accepting relationships strengths and weaknesses

conflict patterns predictable/familiar

expectations are more realistic

Term
Lauer (1995) reasons for marital success
Definition

spouse as best friend

marriage as long-term commitment

liking spouse as a person

laughing together frequently

agreeing on aims and goals

Term
conflict-habituated couples
Definition
underlying tension and conflict
Term
devitalized couples
Definition
discrepancy from earlier years
Term
passive-congenial couples
Definition
indifference in norm throughout
Term
vital couples
Definition
genuine warmth and closeness
Term
total relationship couples
Definition
similar to vital, marriage becomes primary identity
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