Module 7 (psyc 140)
Give an overview of the types of physical changes that occur in early adulthood.
Some types of physical changes that occur in early adulthood include a gradual decrease in
one's maximum heart rate, respiratory capacity, and sensitivity to sound at high frequencies.
Some other changes that occur include lens of the eye stiffening or becoming thick and
fast-twitch muscles declining in size and amount.
What did this Module say about differences in sexual behavior between married and
unmarried couples?
This Module references a general social survey indicating that married couples in the US on
average have sexual intercourse 58 times a year. Based on these results, the myth about
marriage and decreased sex is debunked as it indicates that married couples engage in sex
more frequently than singles or unmarried couples.
Reflection question: Were you surprised by the information on divorce statistics? Why or why
not?
No, I was not surprised by the information on divorce statistics. I was aware that the rates of
divorce are high but was shocked by the methods of the inaccurate statistics. However, the
section describing how the likelihood of divorce varies as well as factors that decrease rates
seems very accurate.
How would you summarize postformal thought?
Postformal thought is a word utilized by Labouvie-Vief to describe adult thinking. This
thinking is seen to be more relativistic in that the individual sees shades of gray rather than
just simple dichotomies. It is a concept that works to anwser the question of "What, if
anything, comes after formal operations".
Describe Sternberg's three components of love.
Sternberg's three components of love are intimacy, passion, and commitment. Sternberg
states that couples can have loving relationships that are based on just one of these
components but more complete forms of love include two or all three components. He
combined different components to define different types of love and what they consist of.
Choose three of the 7 types of love discussed in this module and create a profile of a
fictional couple that exemplifies these types of love.
Type 6 is considered infatuation. This type of love runs off of passion. Kelsey and Ryan are
obsessed with each other and don't spend a minute apart. They are always expressing PDA
and are over the moon about their new partners.
, Type 1 is considered consummate love and runs off of intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Tanner and Marie have been dating for several years. They moved in with each other and
are now engaged. They are happy, in love, have a good sex life, and are committed to taking
the next steps in life together.
Type 3 is considered companionate love. This type of love runs off of intimacy and
commitment. Richie and Heather have been married for 35 years. They have three kids and
a stable successful life. As they are both aging their passion has declined but the love is
warm, comfortable, and trusting.
How would you summarize the information on the likelihood of couples divorcing?
Couples who experience factors that increase strain on the relationship are more likely to get
a divorce vs couples who have low life strain. These factors include money, children,
religion, education, and family background.
Identify common symptoms of menopause.
Common symptoms of menopause include mood fluctuations, hot flashes, shrinking of
reproductive organs, difficulty becoming sexually aroused, decreased skin elasticity, loss of
bone mass, raised blood pressure, etc.
Why don't all women experience symptoms of menopause?
Women experience symptoms of menopause in a great variety. Some women have
difficulties with menopausal symptoms, while others barely notice them. Differences in diet,
ethnic background, environment, cultural beliefs, and genetics may all play key roles in a
women's experience with symptoms of menopause.
What are the pros and cons of hormone therapy?
The pros of hormone therapy include treating hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, preventing
bone loss,
reducing fractures in post-menopausal women, and many more. Overall, hormone therapy
promotes a greater quality of life and improves one's psychological well-being.
The cons of hormone therapy include an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, blood clots,
and breast cancer. The severity of the risk is dependent on the type of hormone therapy, the
dose given, the length of medication is taken, individual health risks, as well as family health
history. This is why it is important that a physician tailor hormone therapy specifically to each
patient. Patients should be reevaluated every so often to ensure the benefits still outweigh
the risks. Another risk to be aware of is an increased risk for mood instability, anxiety, and
insomnia during the weening of treatment or right after stopping if you choose to quit
hormone therapy.
Given what you learned in this module, how would you respond to the claim, "everyone goes
through a mid-life crisis"?
Give an overview of the types of physical changes that occur in early adulthood.
Some types of physical changes that occur in early adulthood include a gradual decrease in
one's maximum heart rate, respiratory capacity, and sensitivity to sound at high frequencies.
Some other changes that occur include lens of the eye stiffening or becoming thick and
fast-twitch muscles declining in size and amount.
What did this Module say about differences in sexual behavior between married and
unmarried couples?
This Module references a general social survey indicating that married couples in the US on
average have sexual intercourse 58 times a year. Based on these results, the myth about
marriage and decreased sex is debunked as it indicates that married couples engage in sex
more frequently than singles or unmarried couples.
Reflection question: Were you surprised by the information on divorce statistics? Why or why
not?
No, I was not surprised by the information on divorce statistics. I was aware that the rates of
divorce are high but was shocked by the methods of the inaccurate statistics. However, the
section describing how the likelihood of divorce varies as well as factors that decrease rates
seems very accurate.
How would you summarize postformal thought?
Postformal thought is a word utilized by Labouvie-Vief to describe adult thinking. This
thinking is seen to be more relativistic in that the individual sees shades of gray rather than
just simple dichotomies. It is a concept that works to anwser the question of "What, if
anything, comes after formal operations".
Describe Sternberg's three components of love.
Sternberg's three components of love are intimacy, passion, and commitment. Sternberg
states that couples can have loving relationships that are based on just one of these
components but more complete forms of love include two or all three components. He
combined different components to define different types of love and what they consist of.
Choose three of the 7 types of love discussed in this module and create a profile of a
fictional couple that exemplifies these types of love.
Type 6 is considered infatuation. This type of love runs off of passion. Kelsey and Ryan are
obsessed with each other and don't spend a minute apart. They are always expressing PDA
and are over the moon about their new partners.
, Type 1 is considered consummate love and runs off of intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Tanner and Marie have been dating for several years. They moved in with each other and
are now engaged. They are happy, in love, have a good sex life, and are committed to taking
the next steps in life together.
Type 3 is considered companionate love. This type of love runs off of intimacy and
commitment. Richie and Heather have been married for 35 years. They have three kids and
a stable successful life. As they are both aging their passion has declined but the love is
warm, comfortable, and trusting.
How would you summarize the information on the likelihood of couples divorcing?
Couples who experience factors that increase strain on the relationship are more likely to get
a divorce vs couples who have low life strain. These factors include money, children,
religion, education, and family background.
Identify common symptoms of menopause.
Common symptoms of menopause include mood fluctuations, hot flashes, shrinking of
reproductive organs, difficulty becoming sexually aroused, decreased skin elasticity, loss of
bone mass, raised blood pressure, etc.
Why don't all women experience symptoms of menopause?
Women experience symptoms of menopause in a great variety. Some women have
difficulties with menopausal symptoms, while others barely notice them. Differences in diet,
ethnic background, environment, cultural beliefs, and genetics may all play key roles in a
women's experience with symptoms of menopause.
What are the pros and cons of hormone therapy?
The pros of hormone therapy include treating hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, preventing
bone loss,
reducing fractures in post-menopausal women, and many more. Overall, hormone therapy
promotes a greater quality of life and improves one's psychological well-being.
The cons of hormone therapy include an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, blood clots,
and breast cancer. The severity of the risk is dependent on the type of hormone therapy, the
dose given, the length of medication is taken, individual health risks, as well as family health
history. This is why it is important that a physician tailor hormone therapy specifically to each
patient. Patients should be reevaluated every so often to ensure the benefits still outweigh
the risks. Another risk to be aware of is an increased risk for mood instability, anxiety, and
insomnia during the weening of treatment or right after stopping if you choose to quit
hormone therapy.
Given what you learned in this module, how would you respond to the claim, "everyone goes
through a mid-life crisis"?
