one criticism of freuds psychosexual theory was that it

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Exam 1

1. One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it __________.

A. did not apply to other cultures
B. underemphasized the influence of sexual feelings
C. compared human development to the evolution of the human species
D. offered too narrow a view of important environmental influences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One criticism of Freud's psychosexual theory was that it did not apply to other cultures. Freud developed his theory based on observations and cases from his clinical practice in a specific cultural context, mainly Western society. This limited cultural scope raised concerns about the generalizability and applicability of his theories to diverse cultural settings. Choice B is incorrect because Freud's theory actually emphasized the significant influence of sexual feelings on human development. Choice C is incorrect because Freud's theory focused on stages of psychosexual development rather than comparing human development to the evolution of the human species. Choice D is incorrect because Freud's psychosexual theory considered environmental influences, although it primarily centered on internal drives and conflicts.

2. According to psychosexual theory, what is crucial for healthy personality development?

A. Children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore the world.
B. Directly observable events are the appropriate focus of psychological study.
C. How parents manage their child's sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years.
D. The ego makes a positive contribution to development, acquiring attitudes and skills.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to psychosexual theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, how parents manage their child's sexual and aggressive drives in the first few years is crucial for healthy personality development. This theory suggests that personality development is heavily influenced by a child's experiences during early stages of development, particularly related to handling sexual and aggressive impulses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the core principles of psychosexual theory, which focuses on the importance of early childhood experiences, especially in the context of sexual and aggressive drives.

3. __________ aging reflects the reality that aging well involves not only achievement of desirable outcomes but also effective coping with life's challenges and losses.

A. Optimal
B. Successful
C. Peerless
D. Capital

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Successful.' Successful aging encompasses achieving desirable outcomes and coping effectively with life's challenges and losses. 'Optimal' could imply a focus solely on achieving the best outcomes without considering challenges and losses. 'Peerless' means unmatched or unrivaled, which does not address coping with challenges. 'Capital' is related to wealth or assets and is not suitable in the context of aging and coping with life's difficulties.

4. According to Erikson, the danger in middle childhood is __________, reflected in the pessimism of children who lack confidence in their ability to do things well.

A. shame
B. mistrust
C. inferiority
D. despair

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, the danger in middle childhood is 'inferiority.' During this stage, children may develop a sense of inadequacy and inferiority if they are unable to master the social and academic tasks expected of them. This feeling of inferiority can lead to low self-esteem and pessimism about their abilities. Choice A, 'shame,' is more closely associated with Erikson's stage of autonomy vs. shame and doubt in early childhood. Choice B, 'mistrust,' is linked to Erikson's stage of trust vs. mistrust in infancy. Choice D, 'despair,' is related to Erikson's stage of integrity vs. despair in late adulthood.

5. Spatial skills __________.

A. increase exponentially in early childhood
B. support children's improved executive function
C. develop gradually over childhood and adolescence
D. are typically housed in the left hemisphere

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Spatial skills develop gradually over childhood and adolescence, reflecting the increasing complexity of these abilities. Choice A is incorrect because spatial skills do not increase exponentially in early childhood but rather develop steadily. Choice B is incorrect as spatial skills are not directly linked to executive function. Choice D is incorrect because spatial skills are not typically housed in a specific hemisphere but involve a network of brain regions.