Theorists
According to Erikson, the psychosocial task of middle childhood is developing a sense of __________.
A: Industry vs. Inferiority.
Children gain confidence by mastering skills, and repeated failure or criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Q: Children ages 5–7 need vigorous play, and by age 7 they can participate in __________ play.
A: Competitive play.
School-age children begin to understand rules and teamwork, which supports social development.
Q: Menarche marks a female’s first __________.
A: Menstrual period.
Menarche typically occurs early in puberty and signals reproductive maturity, though cycles may be irregular.
Q: Erikson’s stage for young adulthood centers on developing close, trusting relationships. Name the stage.
A: Intimacy vs. Isolation.
Success leads to committed relationships, while failure may cause loneliness or fear of emotional closeness.
Q: The reproductive transition in middle adulthood, marked by declining fertility, is referred to as the __________.
A: Climacteric.
This transition includes hormonal shifts that may affect mood, comfort, and reproductive functioning.
Erikson says the major developmental task of adolescence is establishing a stable __________.
A: Identity.
Teens explore beliefs, values, and roles to form a personal sense of who they are.
Q: What is the recommended daily physical activity for school-age children?
A: 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily.
Regular activity promotes healthy weight, bone strength, and improved academic achievement.
Q: Adolescents should perform physical activity daily; how many days should include vigorous activity?
A: At least 3 days per week.
Vigorous exercise strengthens the heart and bones and decreases risk-taking behaviors.
Q: What is one physical manifestation of intimate partner violence (IPV) in young women?
A: Bruises/lacerations in various stages of healing.
Inconsistent explanations or delayed care are red flags that require sensitive, trauma-informed assessment.
Q: According to Erikson, what is the psychosocial task of middle adulthood?
A: Generativity vs. Stagnation.
Adults focus on contributing to society and guiding the next generation; failure may lead to self-absorption.
Q: Piaget describes adolescents shifting from concrete thinking to formal operational thought. Name one characteristic of this stage.
A: Abstract thinking or deductive reasoning.
This shift allows adolescents to think hypothetically, understand consequences, and solve complex problems.
Q: Define “latchkey child.”
A: A child who returns home without adult supervision after school.
These children require guidance on safety, coping skills, and responsible independence.
Q: Failure to achieve a stable identity during adolescence results in what Eriksonian concept?
A: Role confusion.
Teens who struggle here may feel unsure of their career goals, values, or place in peer groups.
Q: Testicular self-examination (TSE) is encouraged to detect what disease early?
A: Testicular cancer.
Young adult men are at highest risk, and early detection greatly improves outcomes.
Q: What is one common emotional or social challenge faced in middle adulthood?
A: Adjusting to “empty nest” changes as children become independent.
This transition may impact identity and relationships and can increase stress or prompt new personal growth.
-Others: midlife crisis, sandwich generation
Q: Levinson described adulthood as progressing through several “seasons of life.” What is one example of a transition adults may experience during these seasons?
A: Shifting life roles—such as reevaluating career goals, relationships, or personal priorities.
These transitions often prompt adults to reassess meaning and direction as they adapt to new developmental demands.
Q: What is an effective discipline strategy for middle childhood?
A: Consistent rules with positive reinforcement and clear expectations.
Children respond best to predictable structure, explanations, and reinforcement that encourages desired behaviors.
Q: Smokeless tobacco places adolescents at high risk for what major health issue?
A: Oral cancer.
It contains high nicotine levels, leading to addiction and long-term oral tissue damage.
Q: What is one major cause of death in young adults?
A: Accidents or violence.
These causes are often preventable through safe driving, avoidance of substance use, and risk-reduction strategies.
Q: What is one common physical change women may experience during menopause?
A: Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep changes, and mood fluctuations as estrogen levels decline.
Q: In Kohlberg’s theory, which stage involves moral decisions based on internalized principles rather than fear of punishment?
A: Post-conventional morality.
Individuals act based on personal ethics and justice rather than social approval or rules.
Kohlberg’s full progression includes pre-conventional (obedience/punishment), conventional (seeking approval and following laws), and post-conventional (internal moral principles).
Q: Middle childhood nutrition should follow MyPlate guidance. Name one common teaching point.
A: Encouraging fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and limiting sugary beverages.
Healthy eating habits now support growth and can prevent chronic disease later in life.
Q: When taking a sexual or reproductive history from an adolescent, name one essential component.
A: Last menstrual period, sexual activity, contraception, or STI symptoms.
Clear, confidential assessment helps identify pregnancy and STI risks and guides health teaching.
Q: Which reproductive health issue seen in young adults can develop after an untreated sexually transmitted infection and may lead to infertility if not treated promptly?
A: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
PID often results from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea and can cause scarring of reproductive organs, making early detection and STI screening essential.
Q: What is one common emotional experience associated with the midlife crisis described in middle adulthood?
A: A sense of regret or reevaluation of missed goals.
Middle-aged adults may question past decisions or feel urgency to reinvent themselves, which can influence career changes, relationships, or lifestyle choices.