click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Aging Psych Exam 3
Question | Answer |
---|---|
According to the text, how might changes in cognitive processing resource capacity affect social impressions across the lifespan? | -Older adults = lower levels of cognitive processing resources -As experience increases, use less detailed information when forming initial impression |
According to the text, how might changes in cognitive processing resource capacity affect social impressions across the lifespan? (Cont.) | -Older adults hold initial judgements of negative events more than younger adults. dont adjust initial judgement by considering other factors. |
What is the negativity bias? | Occurs when people allow their initial negative impressions to stand despite subsequent positive information because negative information was more striking to them and thus affected them more strongly. |
Are there psychological benefits of the negativity bias when making social judgments? | Our capacity to weigh negative input so heavily most likely evolved for a good reason—to keep us out of harm's way. Signals danger and vulnerability and is important for survival. |
Describe the assumptions of Carstensen’s socioemotional selectivity theory | social contact is motivated by a variety of goals, including information seeking, self-concept, and emotional regulation. |
Based on socioemotional selectivity theory, how are social preferences influenced by time horizons across the lifespan? | Carstensen and colleagues believe information seeking is the predominant goal for young adults, emotional regulation is the major goal for older people, and both goals are in balance in midlife. |
What is the positivity effect? | The positivity bias is the tendency to focus on the positive, despite negative information/cues; people remember pleasant things more accurately |
describe how a tendency to focus on positive information could contribute to an individual’s sense of well-being. | could be good for a person's mental health. |
describe how a tendency to focus on positive information could interfere with an individual’s ability to accurately evaluate the risks associated with medical treatment options | they might ignore all the negative implications that the medical treatment options entail and only focus on the positive: it will cure me, despite all these negative side effects/outcomes |
describe how a tendency to focus on positive information could interfere with an individual’s ability to accurately evaluate the risks associated with financial decisions | focus on the positive information, not really weighing the negatives. Can be susceptible to financial exploitation |
How is risk of financial exploitation influenced by the age-associated tendency to focus on positive information? Be prepared to explain your answer. | They are seen as a profitable and easy target. Earlier generations do not approach financial advice or suggestions from telemarketers, advertisers, and even known acquaintances, with the same skepticism that young people do. |
define the term stereotype. | social belief or prior knowledge about a group of people that affects how we interpret new information |
What is the age-based double standard of perceived competence in young and older adults? | In this case, younger adults judge older adults who are forgetful more harshly than older adults do. However, younger adults also make judgments about older adults being more responsible despite such memory failures |
What is a stereotype threat? | An evoked fear of being judged in accordance with a negative stereotype about a group to which you belong. |
How might stereotype threat influence an older person’s performance in a setting where they perceive they are being evaluated? | Negative stereotype in older adults can negatively influence performance. Research indicates that what you believe is true about aging has very important positive or negative consequences. |
Describe findings from the survey of older adults’ perceptions of their subjective age vs. their actual chronological age | perceive themselves younger (20% younger) than how old they really are |
Describe findings from the survey of older adults’ preferred age if given the choice vs. their actual chronological age. Are these findings consistent with negative stereotypes about late life? | preferred age is middle to late adulthood (50s) - does not consist with negative stereotypes because if that were so, they would want to be younger like in their 20s |
Based on the research of Becca Levy and her colleagues (see textbook and lecture notes) how are positive views of aging associated with health outcomes in later life? | -Found striking link between ageism early in life and poor heart health later on -Participants who viewed old age in negative terms were much more likely to experience some kind of cardiovascular disorder over the next four decades. |
Be prepared to describe the common elements across definitions of personality. | enduring patterns of • behaving • perceiving • relating to and • thinking about the environment and oneself • exhibited in a wide range of important social and personal contexts |
describe the basic differences between stage, trait, and life-event (contextual) theories of personality development. Be prepared to recognize how each approach accounts for changes in behavior over the lifespan. | Stage: studies everyone's behavior as a whole group, does not individualize. Trait: More general statement of behavior, describe or predict behavior. Tautological (circular reasoning) |
describe the basic differences between stage, trait, and life-event (contextual) theories of personality development. Be prepared to recognize how each approach accounts for changes in behavior over the lifespan. (Cont.) | Life-event theory: Idiographic approach, see why the person is behaving the way they are |
You should be able to describe Costa and McCrae’s five-factor model of personality. | Rejected stage models of aging/personality (Erik Erikson’s model) Concluded that personality is stable across adulthood “Big 5” trait model: neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, agreeableness |
Has research found that the dimensions of personality change across the lifespan? | Extroversion/openness decrease with age Agreeableness increases with age Neuroticism disappears or is much less apparent in late life |
describe Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development over the lifespan. | •Described eight stages of psychosocial development • Based on Freud’s theory of psychosexual development • Psychological development occurs in predictable “stages” • eight stages represent eight great struggles that he believed people must undergo. |
How does Erikson characterize the emotional concerns experienced by persons in middle adulthood and late adulthood? | Middle adulthood: generativity vs. stagnation Late adulthood: integrity vs. despair |
define generativity | •Caring about future generations/One’s community |
provide examples of how generativity is expressed | • Prioritizing parenting and grandparenting • Community service |
What are the psychological benefits of generativity? | Associated with positivity, satisfaction, physical health |
What age-normative characteristics result in the population of older adults consistently found to be most generous group within communities? | Middle age most generative |
Why is it difficult to empirically evaluate claims based on stage theories of personality development? For example, why is it difficult, if not impossible, to reliably measure “stages”? | - No reliable method of measurement of relevant variables • Research has relied on highly inferential methods of assessment • Tend to focus on crises in life which are actually rare |
Discuss findings regarding age-associated changes in gender roles. | increase in androgyny links to relationship between gender roles/aging. Basically, as people age, the gender roles become less evident and less prominent. |
What is androgyny? | Men start exhibiting more feminine attributes (become more empathic and nurturant, women become more assertive) |
What explanations have been offered to account for increases in men’s empathy over the lifespan. What explanations have been offered to account for increases in women’s assertiveness over the lifespan? | - becoming a father - jobs and responsibilities in life may be a factor for women becoming more assertive |
Based on lecture, be prepared to describe findings from Caspi, Bem, & Elder’s longitudinal research on personality starting in childhood. | Shy group - did best later in life • “Explosive” group – had most problems at work; more likely to be divorced • Dependent group – sex differences • Girls had more problems; • Boys turned out to be unusually happy as men |
Based on lecture, be prepared to describe findings from recent research on the lasting emotional and psychological effects of early childhood experiences. | early life experiences have lasting effects 1. lots of verbal stimuli = intellectual 2. lack of nurturing = poor cognition and have relationship issues 3. severe childhood adversity = psych problems in later life |
Describe the link between spirituality and health. What is spiritual support? | Greater optimism/better health/better self esteem. Spiritual support = seek pastoral care, participate in organized and nonorganized religious activities, and express faith in a God who cares for people |
According to the textbook, older adults report that turning problems “over to God” involves a three-step process. Be prepared to describe each step in this three-step process | Differentiating between things that can/cant be changed • Focusing one’s own efforts (what can be changed) |
According to the textbook, older adults report that turning problems “over to God” involves a three-step process. describe the benefits of this form of religious belief. | Helps with coping. |
According to the textbook, older adults report that turning problems “over to God” involves a three-step process. Be prepared to describe: a) each step in this three-step process (cont) | • Emotionally disconnecting from those aspects of the problem that cannot be changed with the belief that God will provide the best outcome possible |
Be prepared to describe the research findings concerning religious beliefs and ethnicity. | •Turning problems “over to God” was especially true for African Americans, who are more involved in religious activities. - Mexican Americans who pray to the saints and the Virgin Mary have greater optimism and better health. |
What is epidemiology? | Study of the prevalence and incidence of a disorder within a population at particular point in time |
What is an incidence rate? | Frequency with which some event, such as a disease or accident, occurs over a specified time period |
What is a prevalence rate? | Proportion of a population who have a specific characteristic in a given time period |
Describe the findings from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Epidemiologic Catchment Area Study regarding age-associated differences in the prevalence and incidence of psychological disorders. | TL;DR: Prevalence decreases with age, and people tend to get better as they get older with experience (less disorders), but cognitive disorders are exceptions |
According to lecture what factors promote resilience in children who have experienced adverse life events such as abuse, neglect, or the loss of a parent? | Intelligence Talent Social skills Critical consciousness Sense of identify Sense of purpose Being part of a supportive faith/cultural community. Strong relationship with at least one adult most important. |
Consider the rates of adverse early life events reported by older adults (see lecture notes). Do epidemiologic data on behavioral health problems provide evidence of resilience over the lifespan? | Yes, research shows improved functioning over the course of the lifespan. Problems decrease and happiness increases with age. |
What is polypharmacy? Describe potential risks associated with polypharmacy in older adults. | using multiple drugs side effects can mimic symptoms of psych problems - depression possible side effect of anti-hypertensive meds - cognitive impairment side effect of several meds (like opioid) |
Be prepared to define and recognize examples of co-morbidity. | having 2 or more health conditions examples: - diabetes - obesity - high blood pressure - heart disease - asthma - arthritis |
Be prepared to describe and recognize methodological and cohort related factors that impact research on psychological problems and aging. | Selective attrition (mortality): individuals w/ severe problems (e.g. alcoholism, suicidal behavior) are at risk for dying earlier in life |
Be prepared to describe and recognize methodological and cohort related factors that impact research on psychological problems and aging. (cont) | Sampling: community vs institutionalized - Rates of psych disorders higher in nursing home residents - in long-term care facilities, rate of psychopathology is between 65% - 90% - Studies done in nursing homes are not representative (biased sampling) |
Be prepared to describe and recognize methodological and cohort related factors that impact research on psychological problems and aging. (cont) | Cohort factors: - language used to describe problems - attributions for behavior may vary across cohorts - gender differences in comfort w/ emotional expression - may also have dramatically different treatment histories |
Based on lecture, describe client variables that might impact the assessment and treatment of problems in late life. | - Cohort factors (psychological mindedness, self-reliance) - comfort in self-disclosure - views about age of therapist - sensory impairment - mobility may limit access |
describe therapist variables that might impact the assessment and treatment of problems in late life. | - Therapeutic nihilism (No significant diff in treatment effectiveness) - Experience working w/ older adults (lack of formal training, 5% of psychologists trained to work with older adults) - Assumptions about interacting w/ older adults - ageist views |
According to lecture how do rates of schizophrenia, substance abuse, suicidality, and depression vary across the lifespan? describe normative history graded (i.e., cohort) factors that are impacting the prevalence of any of these conditions. | TL;DR: 1. Substance use less prevalent but is increasing due to medication misuse 2. Depression rate generally declines over the lifespan - stressful life events like war could be a potential history-graded factor |
According to lecture how do rates of schizophrenia, substance abuse, suicidality, and depression vary across the lifespan? describe normative history graded (i.e., cohort) factors that are impacting the prevalence of any of these conditions. (cont) | 3. Suicidality rates increase in men and decrease slightly in women 4. Schizophrenia is lower in elderly |
Describe how age-associated differences in the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of substances might affect physicians’ judgments about whether an older person has a substance abuse problem. | Older adults = reduced alcohol tolerance, metabolize it slowly . . . so maybe physician judgments about whether an older person has an alcohol problem have a lower threshold for determination?? Young adult drinkers less likely to feel effects of alcohol. |
describe changes in the prevalence of substance abuse in late life. How have the number of deaths due to opioid overdose changed over the last 20 years? Which age group(s) accounts for the highest number of opioid overdose deaths? | Substance abuse is less prevalent among the elderly than the young Medication misuse occurs at high frequency Elderly account for over 30% of deaths due to opioid overdose |
Which forms of opioid medication account for the largest percentage of deaths due to overdose? | fentanyl |
Describe the relationship between depression and physical illness. How is functional disability related to depression in late life? Applying Peter Lewinsohn’s behavioral model of depression, how is this relationship explained? | TL;DR: There is a positive correlation between depression and physical illness, this could be due to reduced availability of pleasant activities Functional impairment is a greater predictor than medical diagnosis |
How do the symptoms of depression differ between young and older persons? Are treatments of depression as effective in older adults as they are in the rest of the adult population? | Elderly: - fewer reports of feelings of guilt and suicidal thoughts; - more somatic complaints, - increased agitation, - more lethal suicidal methods in elderly |
What is behavioral activation? Describe evidence for the effectiveness of behavioral activation for the treatment of depression. | behavior therapy for treating depression, increasing access to pleasant experiences by trying out new behavior at first, client may follow "rule" to become more active; naturally, consequences of pleasant experiences come to maintain continued activity |
Describe age-associated differences in suicide rates. What are the risk factors for suicide in late life? For which age/gender groups are suicide rates increasing? | Suicide rates increase for men as they age and decrease slightly for women; older people more likely to experience risk factors Risk factors: illness, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and financial pressure |
You should be familiar with findings from research on rates of healthcare utilization by older persons who commit suicide. What are the implications of these research findings for suicide screening in healthcare settings? | Suicide completers increase frequency of health care visits closer to death (including outpatient, inpatient, and ED visits) when compared to age-matched controls PCPs most likely provider to see older adults w/ mental problems, suicidal ideation. |
You should be familiar with findings from research on rates of healthcare utilization by older persons who commit suicide. What are the implications of these research findings for suicide screening in healthcare settings? (cont) | Approximately 57% of persons over age 50 will have seen their PCP within the month before their death, 27% within one week Screening is CRITICAL |
Describe the potential adverse effects of anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications. | Anti-anxiety medications can be addicting and can cause impairment in cognitive functioning |
What is delirium? | Delirium: disturbance of consciousness in cognition that develops over a short period of time |
What are the symptoms of delirium? | -attention - MAJOR SYMPTOM (clearly affected) -memory -orientation (severe confusion) -language -perception (hallucinations & delusions) |
What area of functioning is most clearly affected when an individual is delirious? | Behavior changes (sudden onset of aggression, anxiety, accusations) |
Be prepared to describe how the symptoms of delirium differ from the symptoms of dementia. | Delirium starts suddenly (over a period of one to two days) and symptoms often also vary a lot over the day. In contrast, the symptoms of dementia come on slowly, over months or even years |
What conditions are associated with the development of delirium? | Conditions associated w/ development of delirium: -stroke -cardiovascular disease infection -toxins -dehydration -medication side effects -invasive medical procedures (e.g., catheterization, IVs) |
What factors contribute to the low rates of detection of delirium in older adults? Why is delirium often missed in persons with dementia? | Factors contributing to low rates of detection of delirium: not often diagnosed because it's happening because of other severe disorders (mistake as something else) |
What is “dementia”? | A collection of symptoms characterized by cognitive and behavioral deficits due to organic cause |
Describe the progressive changes that occur in persons with Alzheimer’s disease. | -Declines in judgment, disorientation in time and space, -difficulties in word finding and communication (decline in verbal abilities) -Declines in personal hygiene, and self-care skills, -inappropriate social behavior and changes in personality |
What type(s) of memory are most affected by Alzheimer’s disease? | -Declines in memory such as loss of recent memory, remote memory, learning, attention |
Be prepared to describe how the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease differs from the symptoms of vascular dementia. | Vascular dementia early symptoms are often not forgetfulness but rather difficulties w/ planning or organizing, following steps or making decisions, slower speed of thought, and problems concentrating |
Be prepared to describe how impairment in verbal abilities complicates the detection and treatment of co-morbid conditions (e.g. infection, delirium, acute and chronic disease), pain, discomfort, and distress in persons with dementia. | It complicates detection and treatment of co-morbid conditions because it's hard to communicate and don't understand what is actually wrong with older adult |
According to lecture, what is excess disability? | treatments may cause patient to be more disabled than they need to be. When impairment exceeds what is expected due to the disease. Person can lose behaviors and skills before they should. |
What are some of the adverse effects of antipsychotic drug use in older adults living with dementia? | Sedation, confusion. Antipsychotic medication makes patients worse. Twice as many people who received placebo medication survived compared to people who received antipsychotic medication. Black box warning due to higher death rate |
Why is antipsychotic medication contraindicated when a person has Lewy body dementia? What are the effects of antipsychotic medication use in persons experiencing Lewy body dementia? | |
describe why the Food and Drug Administration issue black box warnings against the use of antipsychotic medications in older persons with dementia? Hint: see lecture notes. | Higher death rate associated with use of conventional antipsychotic and atypical antipsychotics compared to patients receiving a placebo |
Given that, currently, there are no effective medications or medical procedures for curing or reversing neurocognitive disorders, why is the treatment of persons living with dementia so expensive? | Experimental treatment must be paid out of pocket Care requires special facilities and training |
Be prepared to describe environmental and lifestyle factors that have been found to increase/decrease the risk of developing a neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. | Environmental factors that increase risk: Viral infection, head trauma, chronic inflammation |
Be prepared to describe environmental and lifestyle factors that have been found to increase/decrease the risk of developing a neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. (cont) | Lifestyle factors that increase risk: processed foods high in nitrites and fat, chronic alcohol abuse Lifestyle factors that decrease risk: avoiding alcohol, safe sex practices (to avoid ADC) |
epidemiology | Study of the prevalence and incidence of a disorder within a population at particular point in time |
prevalence | Proportion of a population who have a specific characteristic in a give time period |
incidence | Frequency with which some event, such as a disease or accident, occurs over a specified time period |
acquired capacity for suicide | a condition involving a heightened degree of fearlessness and pain insensitivity such that the actions and ideas involved in suicide are no longer alarming |
Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale | suicide risk assessment tool that supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask. |
Alzheimer’s disease | most common form of pro-gressive, degenerative, and fatal dementia, account-ing for between 60% and 80% of all cases of dementia |
Lewy body dementia | 3rd most common. disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes |
Vascular dementia | 2nd most common form of dementia, results from experiencing numerous small cerebral vascular accidents |
Parkinson’s disease | neurodegenerative, movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities |
Frontotemporal dementia | the result of damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain |
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy | progressive brain condition that's thought to be caused by repeated blows to the head and repeated episodes of concussion (contact sports) |
delirium | Disturbance of consciousness in cognition that develops over a short period of time |
beta amyloid plaque | spherical structures consisting of a core of beta-amyloid, a protein, surrounded by degenerated fragments of dying or dead neurons. |
beta amyloid hypothesis | the process by which beta-amyloid deposits create neuritic plaques, that in turn lead to neurofibrillary tangles, that cause neuronal death and, when this occurs severely enough, Alzheimer’s disease. |
tau hypothesis | the principle causative substance of AD is tau, not BA deposits |
Be prepared to describe the assumptions of Carstensen’s socioemotional selectivity theory. | refers to changes that happen across the lifespan as a function of how time is viewed |
According to Carstensen, how does motivation for social contact differ over the lifespan? | younger = perceive time as more open-ended, exploring the world to try to figure out how he or she fits. |
According to Carstensen, how does motivation for social contact differ over the lifespan? (cont) | older = perceive time as more limited, prioritize emotion-related goals such as family and close personal relationships. Older adults are more selective and have fewer opportunities to make new friends. Both goals are in balance in mid-life. |
Describe normative history graded factors that might lead to differences in the social and emotional development of the current cohort of children vs. their grandparents’ generation. | Cell phones Electronic social media: Texting Social networks Internet Email Access to pornography |
What factors contribute to a decrease in the number of friends between young adulthood and late life? | -Selectivity -Emotional competency -Lack of opportunity |
How does the importance of friendship vary across adulthood? | Increased importance of friendship Contact with friends is a means of emotion regulation Fewer friends but increased valuing of friendship People become increasingly selective in whom they choose to have contact with |
How would Carstensen’s socioemotional selectivity theory account for the finding that older adults tend to not replace friendships that are lost when friends die? | Older adults are more selective and have fewer opportunities to make new friends. |
Be prepared to describe gender-related differences in friendship. | Women have more close friends, engage in physical touch Men have fewer close friends, less intimate |
Describe findings from research on factors that affect marital satisfaction across the lifespan. | -"Honeymoon" period followed by downward slope. Actual: Baseline level of satisfaction predicts whether decline occurs -Large declines in satisfaction are isolated to couples with low initial satisfaction |
Describe findings from research on factors that affect marital satisfaction across the lifespan. (cont) (children) | -Couples who have children: "U" shaped distribution over the lifespan -Satisfaction is highest in beginning -Declines during child rasing years -Increases in later life |
Be prepared to describe how the median age of first marriage changed over the past 50 years. | The median age of first marriage in 1950 was 22.8 for men and 20.3 women. By 2021 the median age of first marriage had increased to 30.4 for men and 28.6 for women. |
How do economic factors impact decisions to marry and/or have children? | Marriage rates have fallen the most among those less educated. Married young adults have higher earnings than unmarried young adults. |
Be prepared to describe findings from research on factors influencing marital success. | "Assortative mating": Similarity of values and interests -Partners perceive exchange as fair -Accepting partner's behavior |
Be prepared to describe findings from research on factors influencing marital success. (cont) (age) | Age: -Women under age 20 at first marriage are 3x more likely to divorce than women who marry in their 20s -6x more likely to divorce than those who marry for the first time in their 30s |
What hypotheses have been proposed to explain why persons who marry before age 20 are at higher risk for divorce than persons who marry at a later age? | under 20 = info seeking self discovery phase. identity, needs, and wants may change with age. This puts them at higher risk for divorce than someone who has already taken the time to discover who they are and what they want in a partner and relationship |
According to Levenson & Carstensen’s observational research of couples, how were the interactions of couples in long term marriage different from those of younger couples? | Older couples show: Less potential for conflict Better negotiation skills More potential for pleasure in several areas Equivalent levels of mental and physical health Fewer gender differences in sources of pleasure |
According to Levenson & Carstensen’s observational research of couples, how were the interactions of couples in long term marriage different from those of younger couples? (cont) | Older couples: More positive emotions More empathic listening More patience and flexibility |
What age-associated changes might drive the differences in interactions between young and older couples? | Intimacy - Feeling that one can share all one's thoughts and actions with another Commitment - Willingness to stay with a person through good and bad times |
Be prepared to describe how sources of conflict for older and younger couples differ. | Negotiating conflict in long-term marriages When discussing a problem, older couples: Less emotionally negative More affectionate Topics that create stress and pleasure differ for middle-aged and older couples |
Sources of conflict for middle-aged couples | Children Money Communication Recreation Sex In-laws Friends Jealousy |
Sources of conflict for older couples | Communication Recreation Money Children Sex In-Laws Friends Religion |
Be prepared to describe factors that may contribute to differences in older and younger couples’ ability to negotiate conflict. | Factors that may contribute to differences in older and younger couples' ability to negotiate conflict: age-associated changes in emotional arousal. Increased skill in emotional regulation. |
Be prepared to describe factors that may contribute to differences in older and younger couples’ ability to negotiate conflict. (cont) | Less motivation to change the other person. Focus on quality of relationship in the here and now. Consistent with Carstensen's Socioemotional Selectivity theory. Improved coping with (acceptance of) what person doesn't like about the partner. |
Be prepared to describe how divorce rates in the United States have changed over the past 70 years. | Approximately 40% of marriages in U.S. end in divorce Divorce rates in the United States over the past 70 years Increasing divorce trend: 1940: 18% of marriages 2021: 40% of marriages |
What history-graded (i.e., cohort) related factors have influenced divorce rates? | History-graded (i.e., cohort) related factors have influenced divorce rates: -Decrease in negative views and stigma -Higher expectations for marriage Divorce rates among adults 65 and older have roughly tripled since 1990 |
How is elder abuse defined by the State of Nevada? | "any knowing, intended, or careless act that causes harm or serious risk of harm to an older person (age 60 or older) -physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially.” |
How is financial exploitation defined? | any act taken by a person who has trust and confidence, of Power of Attorney/ guardianship to obtain control or convert money, assets or property, through deception, intimidation, or undue influence |
What is meant to say a professional is as “designated reporter” of elder abuse? | "Designated reporter" of elder abuse such as doctors and first responders have an obligation to report signs of abuse. |
Describe risks associated with elder abuse or domestic violence in families, couples, and parent/adult child dyads. | Risk factors: Alcohol abuse Job stress Financial problems Unemployment Social isolation Within older couples Domestic violence is more likely to be perpetrated by women |
Be prepared to describe the characteristics of victims of elder abuse. | Over age 80 Female Excessively loyal to caregiver History of frequent intergenerational conflict History of abuse Socially isolated Viewed by abuser as aversive: Unpleasant or demanding |
Be prepared to describe the characteristics of perpetrators of elder abuse. | Substance abuse Mental health problems History of poor emotional coping and instrumental problem solving skills Inexperience as a caregiver Financial problems Little help from other family members Hypercritical style History of being abused |
Describe the four types of grandparenting styles described in class. | Fun-seeking grandparents - tend to be younger, active; role changes as grandchildren grow up Formal grandparents - tend to be older, more peripherally involved; authority figures |
Describe the four types of grandparenting styles described in class. (cont) | Distant grandparents - rarely see their grandchildren "Surrogate parent" grandparents - assume day-to- day parenting (usually grandmothers |
How do grandmothers and grandfathers tend to differ in their roles as grandparents? | Grandmothers tend to be more emotionally involved with grandchildren. Especially mother's mother. Matrifocal orientation to the family - Women control family's social relationships |
Describe barriers to grandparents having contact with their grandchildren. | Barriers to Grandparenting -Norm of noninterference- Unacceptable to "meddle" in how grandchildren are being raised |
Describe barriers to grandparents having contact with their grandchildren. (cont) | -Can create double bind when adult children are dependent on grandparents for childcare -Grandparents responsible for grandchildren but don't have authority to intervene when problems arise |
What is the matrifocal influence on social activities within families? | Matrifocal orientation to the family - Women control family's social relationships. |
What is “surrogate-parent” grandparenting? | communicate with their grandchildren about the direction their lives are headed, |
What is “surrogate-parent” grandparenting? (cont) | listen to the child's feelings about his/her parents, and relationships with age peers discipline their grandchildren, tend to their physical health and safety, and teach about the outside world in discussing matters of culture and contemporary life |
List five family circumstances that increase the likelihood of a grandparent taking on the role of a surrogate-parent (see lecture notes). | 1) disability 2) Not married 3) Less than 25 years old 4) teen parent 5) unemployed |
How does surrogate-parent grandparenting affect the health of grandmothers? How can these health effects be explained? | Higher incidence of depression Higher incidence of heart disease Nurses' Health Study: 55% greater risk of heart disease among grandmothers who provide 2121 or more hours of care per week |
How can effects on health of surrogate-parent grandmothers be explained? | Grandmothers caring for very young children are at risk due to heavy caregiving burden. Deficits in self-care. Isolated from age peers. |
How can effects on health of surrogate-parent grandmothers be explained? (cont) | Feel judged by others as failures as parents, or experience shame linked to the perceived stigma of having to raise their grandchildren. |
Be prepared to list the numerous grandparents tend to support their grandchildren. | Child care •Financial gifts •Helping with housework •Emotional support •Advice |
assortative mating | Similarity of values and interests •Opposites actually don’t attract |
familism | refers to the idea the well-being of the family takes precedence over the concerns of individual family members. |
filial obligation | Most adult children feel a sense of responsibility to care for their parents if necessary. |