Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

R E T H I N K
1. Is the possibility that life may be extended for several de-
cades a mixed blessing? What societal consequences 
might an extended life span bring about?
2. From the perspective of a health-care provider: What sorts of 
recommendations would you make to your older patients 
about how to deal with aging? How would you handle 
someone who believed that getting older had only 
negative consequences?
Answers to Evaluate Questions 
1. midlife transition; 
2.
true; 
3.
genetic pr
eprogramming; 
4. tr
ue;
5.
crystallized, fl
uid; 6.
denial, bar
gaining, acceptance
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Looking
Back
 
 Psychology on the Web 
1. Find information on the web about gene therapy. What recent advances in gene 
therapy have been made by researchers? What developments appear to be on the 
horizon? What ethical issues have been raised regarding the use of gene therapy to 
produce children with characteristics specifi ed by their parents?
2. Find diff erent answers to the question, “Why do people die?” Search the web for 
scientifi c, philosophical, and spiritual/religious answers. Write a summary in which you 
compare the diff erent approaches to this question. How does the thinking in any one 
realm infl uence the thinking in the others?
We have traced major events in the development of 
physical, social, and cognitive growth throughout the life 
span. Clearly, people change throughout their lives. 
As we explored each area of development, we encountered anew the nature– 
nurture issue, concluding in every signifi cant instance that both nature and nurture 
contribute to a person’s development of skills, personality, and interactions. Specifi cally, 
our genetic inheritance—nature—lays down general boundaries within which we can 
advance and grow; our environment—nurture—helps determine the extent to which we 
take advantage of our potential. 
Before proceeding to the next set of modules, turn once again to the prologue at 
the beginning of this chapter that discussed that the McCartneys’ decision to remove 
Marcie’s tumor prior to birth. Using your knowledge of human development, consider 
the following questions.