American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which age group is typically associated with the developmental task of adjusting to the death of a spouse?

1. Early adulthood

2. Middle adulthood

3. Adolescence

4. Later maturity

The correct answer is: Later maturity

The concept of adjusting to the death of a spouse is often linked with later maturity, which generally encompasses older adults, typically those aged 65 and older. As individuals in this age group often experience significant life changes, including retirement and declining health, the loss of a spouse can be particularly impactful. This adjustment involves coping with loneliness, reevaluating one's identity, and possibly transitioning into new living arrangements or social circles. In contrast, early adulthood and middle adulthood are characterized by formative life events such as career establishment, family building, and child-rearing, rather than dealing primarily with the loss of a spouse. Adolescence is focused on identity formation, peer relationships, and independence from parents, making it unlikely to be associated with spousal loss. Thus, later maturity is the age group where the challenges of adjusting to such a significant emotional loss are most pronounced and commonly experienced.