PSY 358
Adult Development and
Aging Review Exam
Q&A
2024
,1. Which of the following best describes the concept of "selective
optimization with compensation" in adult development and aging?
A. The idea that older adults choose to focus on certain aspects of their
lives while letting go of others
B. The process by which older adults become more socially isolated as
they age
C. The belief that cognitive decline is inevitable with age
D. The theory that older adults must rely on outside support for all of their
needs
Answer: A. The idea that older adults choose to focus on certain aspects of
their lives while letting go of others. This concept suggests that older
adults prioritize certain activities and goals, and compensate for any
limitations by focusing on what they can still do effectively.
2. Which of the following is an example of a developmental task in late
adulthood?
A. Finding a stable job
B. Building a family
C. Adjusting to retirement
D. Pursuing higher education
Answer: C. Adjusting to retirement. This is a common developmental task
for individuals in late adulthood, as they transition from working life to
retirement and must adapt to a new lifestyle.
3. According to the socioemotional selectivity theory, what motivates
older adults to prioritize emotional goals over knowledge-related goals?
A. Limited cognitive abilities in old age
B. Decreased social support networks
C. Awareness of limited time left in life
D. Lack of interest in acquiring new information
Answer: C. Awareness of limited time left in life. The socioemotional
selectivity theory posits that as individuals age, they become more aware
of their limited time remaining, leading them to prioritize emotional
satisfaction and meaningful relationships over knowledge-related goals.
, 4. Which of the following factors is most strongly associated with
successful aging?
A. Physical health
B. Financial wealth
C. Educational attainment
D. Social status
Answer: A. Physical health. Research has consistently shown that
maintaining good physical health is a key factor in successful aging, as it
enables individuals to maintain independence, participate in meaningful
activities, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
5. The concept of "gerotranscendence" refers to:
A. A decline in cognitive abilities in old age
B. A shift in perspective towards a more cosmic and transcendent view of
life
C. A desire to return to earlier stages of development
D. Increased reliance on others for daily tasks
Answer: B. A shift in perspective towards a more cosmic and transcendent
view of life. Gerotranscendence is a theory that suggests individuals in
late adulthood may experience a shift in their worldview towards a more
spiritual or transcendent perspective, characterized by a greater sense of
connectedness and meaning in life.
6. According to the dual-process model of coping with loss, which of the
following strategies is considered an emotion-focused coping mechanism?
A. Seeking social support
B. Problem-solving
C. Avoidance
D. Acceptance
Answer: A. Seeking social support. Emotion-focused coping involves
managing emotional reactions to stressors, such as seeking support from
others to regulate emotions and find comfort during difficult times.
7. Which of the following statements is true about cognitive changes in
late adulthood?
Adult Development and
Aging Review Exam
Q&A
2024
,1. Which of the following best describes the concept of "selective
optimization with compensation" in adult development and aging?
A. The idea that older adults choose to focus on certain aspects of their
lives while letting go of others
B. The process by which older adults become more socially isolated as
they age
C. The belief that cognitive decline is inevitable with age
D. The theory that older adults must rely on outside support for all of their
needs
Answer: A. The idea that older adults choose to focus on certain aspects of
their lives while letting go of others. This concept suggests that older
adults prioritize certain activities and goals, and compensate for any
limitations by focusing on what they can still do effectively.
2. Which of the following is an example of a developmental task in late
adulthood?
A. Finding a stable job
B. Building a family
C. Adjusting to retirement
D. Pursuing higher education
Answer: C. Adjusting to retirement. This is a common developmental task
for individuals in late adulthood, as they transition from working life to
retirement and must adapt to a new lifestyle.
3. According to the socioemotional selectivity theory, what motivates
older adults to prioritize emotional goals over knowledge-related goals?
A. Limited cognitive abilities in old age
B. Decreased social support networks
C. Awareness of limited time left in life
D. Lack of interest in acquiring new information
Answer: C. Awareness of limited time left in life. The socioemotional
selectivity theory posits that as individuals age, they become more aware
of their limited time remaining, leading them to prioritize emotional
satisfaction and meaningful relationships over knowledge-related goals.
, 4. Which of the following factors is most strongly associated with
successful aging?
A. Physical health
B. Financial wealth
C. Educational attainment
D. Social status
Answer: A. Physical health. Research has consistently shown that
maintaining good physical health is a key factor in successful aging, as it
enables individuals to maintain independence, participate in meaningful
activities, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
5. The concept of "gerotranscendence" refers to:
A. A decline in cognitive abilities in old age
B. A shift in perspective towards a more cosmic and transcendent view of
life
C. A desire to return to earlier stages of development
D. Increased reliance on others for daily tasks
Answer: B. A shift in perspective towards a more cosmic and transcendent
view of life. Gerotranscendence is a theory that suggests individuals in
late adulthood may experience a shift in their worldview towards a more
spiritual or transcendent perspective, characterized by a greater sense of
connectedness and meaning in life.
6. According to the dual-process model of coping with loss, which of the
following strategies is considered an emotion-focused coping mechanism?
A. Seeking social support
B. Problem-solving
C. Avoidance
D. Acceptance
Answer: A. Seeking social support. Emotion-focused coping involves
managing emotional reactions to stressors, such as seeking support from
others to regulate emotions and find comfort during difficult times.
7. Which of the following statements is true about cognitive changes in
late adulthood?
