Why Are Older Adults More Likely to Express Somatic Complaints

question 144

Multiple Choice

Why are older adults more likely to express somatic complaints than are younger adults?

• A) Older adults are more accepting of somatic symptoms than younger adults are
• B) Older adults who experience depression or anxiety are unable to express these emotional symptoms because of cultural upbringing and show their distress in bodily terms
• C) Older adults are better at hiding their emotions than younger adults are
• D) Society encourages older adults to hide their emotions and thus they have no choice but to express their distress in terms of somatic symptoms

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Definitions:

Substitute Object

An alternative that replaces or serves in place of an original item or concept.

Reaction Formation

A psychological defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously replaces an unacceptable or threatening impulse with an exaggerated version of its opposite.

Overprotective

Describes behaviors that excessively shield others, particularly children, from potential harm, often limiting their experiences and growth.

Sublimation

A psychological process where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are consciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, possibly resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse.