Which statement correctly characterizes Neugarten's contribution?

Which statement correctly characterizes Neugarten's contribution?

• A. Infant development
• B. Dream analysis
• C. aging personality changes
• D. Cognitive development

Answer: (C)

Neugarten’s work centers on aging and personality. She showed that aging isn’t just a decline to be expected; personality and behavior in later life can change in response to retirement, health, loss, and shifting social roles. Her research highlighted how self-perception, coping styles, and interpersonal behavior adapt as people age, influenced by social expectations and the timing of life events. This focus on how personality evolves in the context of aging is what distinguishes her contributions. The other options pertain to areas outside her main emphasis—infant development, dream analysis, or broader cognitive development—so they don’t capture her central impact.

Neugarten’s work centers on aging and personality. She showed that aging isn’t just a decline to be expected; personality and behavior in later life can change in response to retirement, health, loss, and shifting social roles. Her research highlighted how self-perception, coping styles, and interpersonal behavior adapt as people age, influenced by social expectations and the timing of life events. This focus on how personality evolves in the context of aging is what distinguishes her contributions. The other options pertain to areas outside her main emphasis—infant development, dream analysis, or broader cognitive development—so they don’t capture her central impact.