Erikson's theory proposes that individuals have to resolve certain psychological conflicts across the lifespan, which in turn affects their personality development as well as their social and emotional well-being. During middle age, individuals must resolve the generativity vs. stagnation conflict. Individuals who resolve this conflict positively have children and grandchildren, give back to younger generations by mentoring or coaching in their careers, and feel a sense of achievement or accomplishment with passing down their knowledge. Those who resolve the conflict negatively do not interact with young adults and are still focused on themselves and what other people can do for them. 

Ego integrity vs. despair is the last stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory of the stages of development and corresponds to late adulthood. Individuals who have ego integrity reflect back on their lives and feel as if they have fulfilled their goals related to work and family. They often recognize that any challenges or problems they encountered were necessary for them to grow and make it to the point where they are currently in their lives. They often are not hopeless or regretful and typically do not fear death. 

During early adulthood, individuals who have established their identities (i.e. their career, gender, ethnic/racial, moral/religious, political, or sexuality preferences) are often easily able to commit to another person in a romantic relationship. Often times, they have developed secure attachment patterns with their parents/caregivers during infancy and toddlerhood, which impacts their future relationships and friendships. If they are self-absorbed,  then they are more likely to isolate themselves from other people. 

The evolutionary perspective suggests that women are more attracted to financial stability and ambition because it signals that their mate will protect, provide, and commit to the family. Since women have a limited reproductive capacity and have to carry children, they have to be more selective in who they choose. On the other hand, men are not limited by their reproductive capacity and are attracted to women who seem physically healthy and are able to bear and take care of children. 

Individuals at Level II in their moral reasoning focus on upholding laws to prevent anarchy and maintain good relationships with and approval from others around them. On the other hand, individuals at Level III in their moral reasoning understand if certain laws infringe on human rights, then in certain circumstances it may be appropriate to break a law (i.e., there are exceptions to a rule). This particular scenario focuses on revising the flawed law that is prohibiting Heinz' wife from living, which is why it is most related to maintaining social contracts with the law, while also acknowledging individual rights. Individuals who focus on universal principles reason beyond laws they consider unjust and adhere to maintaining the dignity of all people. 

Based on research conducted by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, five stages of death/dying have been identified: 

1. Stage One—Denial (i.e. the person does not believe that he/she is dying)
2. Stage Two—Anger (i.e. the person is mad and frustrated and lashes out at others because he/she is dying)
3. Stage Three—Bargaining (i.e. the person tries to make deals with his/her doctors, family, or even God in order to extend his/her lifespan)
4. Stage Four—Depression (i.e. the person begins to acknowledge that he/she is dying and becomes very sad with the situation)
5. Stage Five—Acceptance (i.e. the person comes to peace with his/her fate but may withdraw from family and friends)

Sammy is attempting to bargain. 

Lexi's direct interaction with her parents is an example of the “microsystem.” Children's direct experiences with those in their daily lives can be impacted by the child's temperament and personality (e.g. family life or school life).  While intriguing, the other choices are incorrect. The “mesosytem” includes bidirectional influences of multiple microsystems on a child's development. For example, if Lexi's parents and teachers actively communicate and are involved with Lexi's education, then this would describe the home-school connection. The “exosystem” includes influences that indirectly impact the child's development. For instance, Lexi's parents' employers may support paid time leave off in order for her parents to attend parent conferences at school. Employee benefits, work hours, and social support can act as risk or protective factors. The “macrosystem” includes the broader society such as the healthcare laws or social programs available, which can also influence a child's development.

Erikson proposed that individuals must positively resolve certain conflicts throughout their lifespan, which impacts their personality development and social-emotional well-being. During the first year of life, babies are primarily concerned with having their basic needs met (e.g. food). They look to their caregivers for consistent protection and provision of those basic needs. If babies resolve the conflict successfully, then they acquire trust toward their caregivers; however, if babies resolve the conflict negatively, then they acquire mistrust toward their caregivers. 

The other choices represent different stages mapped onto different ages in Erikson's theory (intimacy vs. isolation—early adulthood, autonomy vs. shame/doubt—1-3 years, identity vs. role confusion—adolescence). 

"Activity theory" best describes Charlene. Since she has retired, she no longer fulfills the "teacher" role for work. Since her husband recently passed, she no longer fulfills the "spouse" role in her marriage. As a retiree and widow, Charlene must find other avenues in order to feel as if she is still active in her life with a sense of purpose. 

"Continuity theory" best describes John. He likes to engage in the same activities each day because they are familiar to him; consistency is appreciated during late adulthood.