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Block 4 Unit 3 Psychosocial Changes - Early Adulthood, Middle Age, Old Age

1. Delineate the Characteristic features of development during early adulthood.

• Early adulthood is characterised by individuals becoming more autonomous and independent, often becoming financially less dependent on their parental families.
• It's a period of self-search, involving both self-discovery and preparation for the future.
• Key developmental tasks include choosing a career, establishing financial and emotional independence, and entering into marital relationships.
• Individuals begin to take on personal responsibilities for themselves and others, learning through social interaction.

2. According to Erikson’s theory indicate the conflict cum crisis that takes place during adulthood.

Erikson's theory outlines three major crises during adulthood:

• Intimacy vs Isolation: This occurs in early adulthood where individuals need to form deep intimate relationships, or risk becoming socially and emotionally isolated.
• Generativity vs Stagnation: This takes place in middle adulthood, where the focus is on contributing to the well-being of future generations, or experiencing self-absorption.
• Integrity vs Despair: This is the final crisis in old age, focusing on whether one feels their life has had meaning or has been full of regret.

3. Describe the stage theory of development.

• Stage theories suggest that all humans progress through an orderly sequence of stages, regardless of their cultural background or time period.
• Each stage is defined by specific challenges or crises that must be resolved before moving to the next.
• These crises emerge from the interplay of biological drives and societal demands, with each stage presenting a new combination of these forces.
• Erikson’s eight stages of life are a classic example of a stage theory, where successful navigation of each stage is essential for progressing well through subsequent stages.

4. How does stage theory differ from contextual theory?

• Stage theories propose a universal and fixed sequence of developmental stages, with each stage being defined by specific crises or challenges that everyone must face.
• Contextual theories emphasize that development is influenced by the environment and experiences, recognizing that individuals play an active role in their development.
• While stage theories focus on internal factors and age-related changes, contextual theories consider the impact of both internal factors and external influences such as family, culture and life events.
• In essence, stage theories see development as a linear progression through pre-defined steps, while contextual theories view it as a dynamic interplay between the individual and their surroundings.

5. Elucidate the family life cycle during adulthood and related factors.

• The family life cycle involves different stages, such as courtship, marriage, early parenthood, child-rearing, launching, the empty nest, and grandparenthood.
• Courtship: Involves dating and choosing a partner; this is strongly influenced by cultural norms.
• Marriage: This involves merging lives; marital satisfaction varies through life.
• Early Parenthood: This includes adapting to the new responsibilities of parenting, usually bringing great joy and new family dynamics.
• Child-rearing: This can be a very busy time.
• Launching: This is when the children leave home to become independent; parents may experience mixed feelings and a sense of loss.
• Empty nest: Many couples renew their relationships during this stage as they focus on each other.
• Grandparenthood: This provides an opportunity for elders to feel useful and to connect with younger generations.
• Major factors impacting the family cycle include:
  • Culture: Defines courtship, marriage and parenting norms.
  • Socio-economic status: Affects resources and opportunities.
  • Individual preferences and personal factors: Influence the choice of relationships, the number of children and career choices.

6. How are social and other-sex friendships different during adulthood?

• Same-sex friendships are more common, and are often more intimate, with a greater level of disclosure. These often last for a longer period.
• Other-sex friendships occur less frequently and may not be as long-lasting.
• Women tend to disclose more to other women and can learn important things about men from their male friends.
• Men often use male friendships as a way to disclose their thoughts and motivations.

7. What are the changes in sibling relationships during adulthood?

• As adults, siblings often become close friends and provide mutual support.
• Rivalries from the past tend to subside, replaced by more supportive and companionate relationships.
• Close sibling relationships are linked to better mental health outcomes during adulthood.

8. Discuss career development during adulthood.

• Career development is a significant aspect of adult life, with individuals establishing and often changing their careers in response to changes in the needs of themselves and their families.
• During early adulthood, individuals focus on establishing their careers.
• Mid-life often involves re-evaluating choices, with some making adjustments or changing career paths.
• There is a shift from focusing on achievement to mentoring and guidance, and a focus on work life balance.
• Factors influencing career development include: education, skills, work-life balance, economic conditions, and societal expectations.

9. Differentiate between generativity and stagnation.

• Generativity is the desire to expand one's influence and commitment to family, society and future generations. It involves a focus on forming and guiding the next generation, and making meaningful contributions to the world.
• Stagnation involves self-absorption and self-indulgence. It reflects a lack of concern for others and a lack of meaningful involvement in the larger world. This can manifest as self-indulgence and invalidism.

10. Discuss four developmental tasks of middle adulthood.

• Young-Old: Involves finding new ways of being both young and old. This includes letting go of some youthful qualities while finding positive meanings in changes.
• Destruction-Creation: This involves re-evaluating past hurtful acts, making attempts to apologise and make amends, and generally seeking to be kinder and more creative.
• Masculinity-Femininity: Requires integrating masculine and feminine aspects of personality, with men becoming more empathetic and women becoming more autonomous.
• Engagement-Separateness: This means balancing engagement with the external world and nurturing the inner self, to be separate, but able to engage with society meaningfully.

11. Delineate the types of changes in personality traits during middle age.

• Personality is not completely fixed, but continues to change during middle age. There is a greater self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Individuals often become more introspective and make changes in their lifestyle to suit their needs.
• Coping strategies improve as individuals learn to find the positive side in difficult situations, plan better for problems, evaluate alternatives and use humour.
• There are often shifts in gender identity in response to changing levels of hormones.

12. Discuss psychosocial changes in mid adulthood.

• Midlife is a period of significant re-evaluation of choices, values and beliefs. It often involves a midlife transition or crisis where adults question their life choices, resulting in changes to the personality.
• There is a focus on generativity; a desire to contribute to the well-being of future generations. Individuals begin to think about their legacy.
• Relationships may be re-evaluated, with a focus on family, work and social connections.
• There is a recognition that time is limited and this often prompts change.

13. Discuss parent child relationship during middle adulthood

• Parent-child relationships go through many changes in middle adulthood. Children are becoming increasingly independent and perhaps leaving home.
• Parents often adopt a less active role, but still offer emotional support.
• There is sometimes role reversal in caretaking, with mid-life children now caring for their aging parents.

14. Put forward the developmental tasks of mid adulthood.

• Adapting to changes in physical abilities and appearance.
• Adjusting to the launching of children.
• Developing new family relationships as the children become adults.
• Finding new purpose now the children have left.
• Re-evaluating career goals and work life balance.

15. Differentiate between ego integrity versus despair.

• Ego integrity is achieved when an individual can look back on their life and feel a sense of meaning, accomplishment and satisfaction. They come to terms with their mortality and accept their life.
• Despair is the feeling that life lacked purpose and meaning. Individuals with despair often experience deep regret, bitterness and anxiety about their mortality.

16. Discuss reminiscence and life review.

• Reminiscence is the act of sharing stories about people and events from one’s past. It involves the sharing of thoughts and feelings.
• Life review is a more structured form of reminiscence, involving a deep reflection on past experiences, their meanings and implications for one’s life with the aim of achieving greater self-understanding.
• Both reminiscence and life review can lead to greater self-awareness, resolution of past conflicts and a sense of personal well-being.

17. Explain how is spirituality and religion important during the late adulthood.

• For many older adults, spirituality and religion play a significant role in their lives.
• Religion can provide a sense of community and social support, offering opportunities for connection and shared experiences.
• Spirituality offers a source of comfort, meaning and purpose particularly in the face of declining health and mortality.
• Religious beliefs often provide a framework for understanding life’s challenges, offering hope and guidance through the transition to old age.
• It may also help with facing the reality of death.

18. Discuss stage versus life events approach.

• Stage theories, like Erikson’s, suggest that development occurs in fixed, universal stages defined by specific crises. They focus on internal drives and universal human experiences.
• The life events approach emphasizes that development is influenced by significant life events, such as marriage, divorce, career changes, and the departure of children from the home. These can vary from individual to individual and culture to culture.
• While stage theories highlight the commonalities in the aging process, the life events approach acknowledges the individual differences.
• Life event approaches see development as dynamic, where people adapt to life events at any point in their life.

19. What are the differences in individual personality traits?

• Personality traits are not fixed.
• Some individuals may become more introverted, while others become more extraverted.
• Individuals may also vary in their levels of agreeableness and openness to new experiences, and conscientiousness.
• The stability and change in these traits can depend on various factors like: biological predisposition, life experiences, cultural influences and individual choices.
• There is also variation in how people respond to life events due to their resilience and coping mechanisms.

20. Discuss the dynamics of relationship in middle age.

• Relationships during middle age can undergo significant changes.
• Marital satisfaction may decline, but can improve as couples develop new routines.
• Relationships with children shift as children grow up and leave home, leading to both challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Middle-aged individuals often have new relationships with their grandchildren, or care for ageing parents.
• There may be challenges, due to differences in values between people in different age groups.

• There is an increase in focus on quality rather than quantity of relationships.

21. Discuss the importance and characteristics of grand parenthood.

• Grandparenthood allows the elderly to connect with younger generations.
• It provides opportunities to feel useful and for sharing knowledge, skills and values.
• It often brings new opportunities for laughter, joy and companionship.
• Grandparents serve as role models for their grandchildren.
• Grandparents often report a deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure in being a grandparent.

22. What are the psychosocial changes that occur in old age?

• Old age involves adjusting to changes in physical and cognitive abilities, with changes in social roles and life satisfaction.
• Older adults may develop a stronger sense of self and greater acceptance of their personal life experiences, and less concern about social pressure.
• There is a greater ability to use emotional skills to navigate difficult situations.
• Social networks tend to change, with some friendships fading and new relationships formed.
• Many older people report high levels of life satisfaction and positive emotions.
• There can be difficulties with retirement and lack of purpose, but this can be mitigated through finding new hobbies, social and community activities, and volunteering.
• Spirituality and religion become more important for many.

23. What importance has retirement in late adulthood?

• Retirement is a major life transition that requires significant adjustments.
• It brings about changes in social roles and often loss of identity related to work.
• For some, it can lead to a loss of purpose, loneliness and boredom; however, for others it is a time to pursue long-held interests, travel, and enjoy life free from work obligations. *There is an increased focus on leisure pursuits, hobbies, and community involvement.
• Successful adjustment to retirement involves finding new sources of social contact, purpose, and stimulation.

24. What are the important features of development during midyears and old age?

Features of Development During Midlife and Old Age

• Middle Age (approximately 40-65 years):
  • Competence, maturity, responsibility, and stability are characteristic of this period.
  • Individuals focus on enjoying career success and satisfaction from family and social life.
  • There is increased focus on health, children's futures, aging parents, leisure time, and retirement plans.
  • Midlife is a period of potential creativity and societal contribution.
  • Challenges include developing a concern for future generations and contributing through family and work.
  • It is marked by the potential for a "midlife crisis" that involves reevaluating beliefs and values.
  • Physical changes include loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, graying hair, and potential height loss.
  • Cognitively, there are changes in intelligence, memory, and expertise.
  • There can be a reevaluation of career and financial goals.
  • The central psychosocial task of middle adulthood is to develop generativity, which is the desire to expand one's commitment to family, society, and future generations. Failure to do so may lead to stagnation and self-absorption.
• Old Age (approximately 65+ years):
  • This period is marked by the process of growing old, often resulting from the failure of body cells to function normally.
  • It can be a time of meaning and satisfaction in life, or one of bitterness and disillusionment.
  • There can be a loss of jobs through retirement, and often, fear about physical and psychological health.
  • There can be a perception that elderly people are inactive, intellectually deteriorating, and narrow-minded, which is not true for all individuals.
  • There is a potential to satisfy personal and emotional needs through grandparenting.
  • Successful aging involves minimizing losses and maximizing gains.
  • Cognitively, while some abilities may decline, crystallized intelligence may rise slightly.
  • The psychosocial task is to resolve the conflict between integrity and despair, involving reflecting on one's life and finding meaning.
  • There may be significant negative life changes such as loss of loved ones, poor health, or financial difficulties.

25. Put forward Levinson’s theory and its features in adult development.

Levinson's Seasons of Life Theory

• Levinson proposed that adults progress through stages, each with specific tasks.
• Each stage begins with a transition lasting about five years, followed by stable periods of 5-7 years during which individuals build their life structure.
• The life structure is the underlying design of a person's life, involving relationships with significant others and their occupation.
• Early Adulthood (ages 17-22 transition): Individuals construct a "dream" to guide their decision making.
  • Men's dreams are often more individualistic, involving success in business and career.
  • Women's dreams may be related to supporting the goals of their husbands.
• Age 30 Transition: Individuals reevaluate their life structure.
  • Single people may look for a partner, while women focused on marriage and children may pursue individualistic goals.
• Settling Down (for men): Individuals focus on specific relationships and aspirations that align with their values.
• Middle Adulthood (40-45 transition): Individuals evaluate their success in meeting adult goals and often make changes to family and occupation.
  • This transition is seen as a time when people realize they have more time behind them than ahead.
  • Individuals may turn inward and reevaluate everything.
• The life structure is then re-evaluated again (ages 50-55) and culminates in the life structure of ages 55-60.

26. What is meant by social clock? How is it important for development in adulthood?

The Social Clock

• The social clock refers to the age-related expectations and societal norms for when certain life events should occur.
• It is important for development in adulthood as it can guide personal decisions and create social pressure to adhere to certain timelines.
• Adherence to the social clock can impact an individual’s sense of well-being, with deviation potentially leading to feelings of being "off-time".

27. Describe attachment patterns and romantic relationships.

Attachment Patterns and Romantic Relationships

• The development of relationships plays a significant role in a person's adaptation to new needs and stresses.
• Early intimate relationships with friends offer the opportunities for self-clarification.
• Attachment patterns formed in early life can influence the way a person forms relationships later on.
• The ideal form of love in adulthood is consummate love, involving passion, intimacy, and commitment, which is seen as unselfish and devoted.

28. Elucidate the family life cycle during adulthood and related factors.

The Family Life Cycle

• The family life cycle is a sequence of phases in the development of most families.
• It typically starts with individuals living on their own, followed by marriage and bearing children.
• In middle age, children leave home, parenting responsibilities decrease, and individuals may spend more time and money on themselves, unless caring for elderly parents.
• The cycle finishes with retirement, aging, and the potential loss of a spouse.

29. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having children early?

Women who follow a "feminine social clock" (marriage and childbearing in their 20s) may be viewed as responsible and caring but may experience a decline in self-esteem as they age, while women who delay childbearing for career development are often considered more independent.

Having children earlier in life might offer advantages like more energy during child-rearing years, but it might come at the cost of career development and personal freedom. Conversely, having children later may mean more financial stability but could also bring the challenges of having children while dealing with one's own aging issues.

30. What is meant by modifying life structure?

Modifying Life Structure

• Modifying the life structure involves finding a balance between youth and age, often prompted by significant life events or changes.
• This can involve re-evaluating past actions, becoming kinder, and recognizing masculine and feminine aspects of personality.
• It may include changes in career focus, personal goals, and social engagement, as individuals adapt to new life conditions.

31. What are the transitional aspects involved in parenthood?

• When children come into the picture, values and focus shift.
• There is a significant shift in social focus, and those with families will be focused on their needs.

32. What is the importance of Levinson’s seasons of life?

The Importance of Levinson's Seasons of Life Theory

• Levinson's theory highlights a common path of change in adulthood and provides a framework for understanding the various transitions and tasks that individuals face.
• It emphasizes the importance of life structure and the need to harmonize inner and outer demands to enhance quality of life.
• The theory suggests that each life stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, giving insight into the motivations and transitions at various periods of adulthood.

33. Discuss career development during adulthood.

Career Development During Adulthood

• A career is a significant aspect of adulthood and contributes to establishing a satisfying identity.
• Adults with satisfying work develop skills, sense their accomplishments, make friends, and feel more financially independent and secure.
• Men typically enter careers earlier and stay in the marketplace continuously, with promotions often dependent on job commitment and competitiveness.
• Successful men may prioritize their jobs over family and leisure, with self-efficacy playing a role in promotion.
• In middle adulthood, individuals typically settle into their careers, and job satisfaction increases, but they may reevaluate career goals due to life adjustments and concerns.

34. Discuss an individual’s relation with siblings and friends during middle adulthood.

Relationships with Siblings and Friends During Middle Adulthood

• Siblings may develop supportive relationships in adulthood, with rivalries from the past subsiding. Close relationships with siblings can predict mental health.
• Friends offer support, guidance, and a change of pace from usual routines. The quality of these friendships often becomes more important during this period due to increased life responsibilities.

35. What are the transitional aspects involved in parenthood?

Key transitional aspects of parenthood include:

• Loss of sleep: Parents, especially in the early stages, often experience a significant disruption in their sleep patterns due to the needs of their child.
• New tasks and responsibilities: Parenthood brings a host of new duties and obligations related to childcare and household management. These responsibilities can be overwhelming and require a significant shift in daily routines.
• Less time for the couple: With the arrival of a child, parents find they have less time to spend together as a couple. The focus shifts from the couple's relationship to the needs of the child. This can strain the relationship if not managed effectively.
• Increased expenses: Raising a child involves significant financial costs for necessities such as food, clothing, healthcare, and education. These increased expenses place additional financial pressures on parents.
• More traditional roles: The arrival of a child often results in a more traditional division of labour, even for couples who previously shared responsibilities more equally. This can lead to frustration and resentment if not discussed and agreed upon by both parents.
• Changes in personal values and focus: As children come into the picture, parents often shift their values and priorities, and focus on the needs of their children. This can mean adjustments in their personal and social lives.
• Adaptation to changing needs and stresses: Parenthood requires constant adaptation as children grow and their needs change. Parents must continually adjust their behaviors and approaches to respond to the evolving circumstances.
• Reconciling multiple selves: Parenthood often necessitates a re-evaluation of one's self-identity and how to craft a narrative that provides a sense of continuity amid the changes.
• Adjusting behaviours: Parents must adapt their own behaviours to accommodate the styles of relating by others, and to adjust to the changing needs and stresses that evolve with each stage of development.

These transitions can create both positive and negative outcomes depending on how well couples manage them. For example:

• Loving and supportive marriages can often successfully navigate these challenges, describing themselves as happy.
• Troubled marriages, however, often experience increased distress after the birth of a child.
• Husband's negativity or out-of-control conflict can predict a decline in the mother’s satisfaction with the relationship.
• Greater differences in caregiving responsibilities can also contribute to a decline in marital satisfaction after childbirth.

Interventions such as group experiences for new parents can help fathers to become more involved and to appreciate the responsibilities of caregiving, leading to greater satisfaction for both parents.