Chapter 13

Question 1

Intimacy vs isolation

Answer 1

The sixth of Erikson’s eight stages of development. Adults seek someone with whom to share their lives in an enduring and self-sacrificing commitment. Without such commitment, they risk profound aloneness and isolation.

Question 2

Generativity versus stagnation

Answer 2

The seventh of Erikson’s eight stages of development. Adults seek to be productive in a caring way, often as parents. Generativity also occurs through art, caregiving, and employment.

Question 3

Humanism

Answer 3

A theory that stresses the potential of all humans, who have the same basic needs regardless of culture, gender, or background.

Question 4

Big five

Answer 4

The five basic clusters of personality traits that remain quite stable throughout adulthood: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Question 5

How does personality differ from temperament?

Answer 5

Temperament is primarily genetic and biological; personality is primarily influenced by past experiences. Personality is an outgrowth of temperament but is not determined by it.

Question 6

What are the three needs of adults, according to Erikson?

Answer 6

Intimacy, generativity, and integrity are the three needs of adults, according to Erikson.

Question 7

What do all people strive for, according to Maslow?

Answer 7

They seek to meet their needs, for survival, safety, love, respect, and, eventually self-actualization.

Question 8

How are personality traits affected by age?

Answer 8

For the most part, personality endures throughout adulthood, although generally neuroticism decreases and consciousness increases.

Question 9

How does personality interact with culture?

Answer 9

Cultures shape and reinforce some personality traits more than others. Ideally people develop the personality that fits well in their culture.

Question 10

Empty nest

Answer 10

The time in the lives of parents when their children have left the family home. This is often a happy time for everyone.

Question 11

Social convoy

Answer 11

Collectively, the family members, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who move through the years of life with a person.

Question 12

Fictive kin

Answer 12

People who become accepted as part of a family in which they are not genetically or legally members.

Question 13

What needs do long-term partners meet?

Answer 13

Long-term partners meet intimacy needs, with close, supportive, committed relationships.

Question 14

Why would people choose to live apart together?

Answer 14

When both partners have homes and families of their own, yet both want to be committed and connected to each other, they may choose to be a LAT couple.

Question 15

How do same-sex marriages compare to other-sex marriages?

Answer 15

Overall, same-sex marriages are quite similar to other-sex marriages, with the same problems and strengths.

Question 16

What are the consequences of divorce?

Answer 16

It depends on the couple. In some cases, divorce frees a person from unwanted limitations. However, often people are unaware of the benefits of their relationship until it ends.

Question 17

How does a social convoy aid development?

Answer 17

People benefit from friends and relatives who cope with the same experiences. The social convoy brings learning and support.

Question 18

What roles do friends play in a person’s life?

Answer 18

Friends are companions; they add to emotional well-being.

Question 19

What is the usual relationship between adult children and their parents?

Answer 19

Usually they are supportive of each other, sharing knowledge and practical help.

Question 20

Why do people have fictive kin?

Answer 20

The benefits of emotionally supportive family members can occur with people who are not related. Sometimes the biological kin are toxic, and then fictive kin fill a critical need.

Question 21

Ik keeper

Answer 21

Someone who becomes the gatherer and communications hub for their family.

Question 22

Sandwich generation

Answer 22

The generation of middle-aged people who are supposedly “squeezed” by the needs of the younger and older members of their families.

Question 23

Extrinsic rewards of work

Answer 23

The tangible benefits, usually in salary, insurance, pension, and status, that come with employment.

Question 24

Intrinsic rewards of work

Answer 24

The personal gratifications, such as pleasure in a job well done or friendships with coworkers, that accompany employment.

Question 25

Psychological contract

Answer 25

The implicit understanding of the relationship between employer and employee that includes procedures to resolve conflict and expectations for the interaction between supervisors and workers.

Question 26

What are three ways that adults are generative?

Answer 26

Caregiving, raising children, and through employment.

Question 27

In what ways does parenthood satisfy the need to be generative?

Answer 27

Raising children allows adults to instill their values in the next generation.

Question 28

Why might it be more difficult for parents to bond with nonbiological children?

Answer 28

Bonding develops over time and is increased when children have similar temperaments to their caregivers. When nonbiological children arrive with a history with other caregivers, as with stepchildren or foster children, attachment is more difficult.

Question 29

What do kinkeepers do, and who becomes one?

Answer 29

Kinkeepers bring the family together and tell them about each other, such as when other family members experience notable problems or celebrations. They also arrange family meals, reunions, vacations, and so forth. Typically, an older woman such as the grandmother fills that role, but men and younger people can also be kinkeepers.

Question 30

What is the relationship between caregiving and generativity?

Answer 30

Caregiving is one expression of generativity, which explains why many adults voluntarily spend much time and effort caring for others.

Question 31

What is the difference between the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards of work?

Answer 31

Extrinsic rewards come from outside, such as salary and status, and intrinsic comes from within, such as pride in a job well done.

Question 32

What problems might occur if work schedules vary?

Answer 32

People benefit from routines, and families benefit if everyone works, and is together, at the same time. Thus, nonstandard schedules might be problematic— especially if they vary week to week.

Question 33

Who is most harmed by unemployment?

Answer 33

Every family member is affected, but the hardest is for someone whose self-worth and generativity was connected to their work.