HHII Theory: Young Adults

Transition

a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another

Milestone

a significant point in development

Rites of Passage

a ritual, event, or experience that marks or constitutes a major milestone or change in a person's life

Biological-related Rites of Passage

birth, wedding, retirement, funerals

Religious-related Rites of Passage

Baptism, Bar Mitzvah

Cultural-related Rites of Passage

Bull jumping - manhood (Africa); Quinceneara - womanhood (Mexico); adolescent circumcision

Others Rites of Passage

getting a driver's licence, "sweet 16"

Young adulthood

18 - 34 years of age

Physical Development: Young Adult

By 20, physical growth mostly complete.

Physical abilities

are in peak condition.

Hearing and visual acuity

at the highest/best - decline ~age 40.

Full adult stature in men

is reached at 18; in women at 16.

Optimal muscle strength

at ages 25-30, then declines 10% from age 30-60.

Manual dexterity

peaks, declines in mid-30s.

Experience severe illness

less - generally the healthiest time of life.

Cognitive Development: Young Adult

Intellectual processes are at their peak in early adulthood.

Executive Decision Making

becomes more developed.

Greater complexity of thinking

(more sophisticated).

Calculation of risks vs. rewards

is a key cognitive skill.

Prioritization, self correction, long term planning

are enhanced in young adulthood.

Moral Development: Young Adult

Those who successfully mastered previous cognitive, social and moral stages usually able to recognize or use principled reasoning.

Kohlberg's theory

young adults are at the post-conventional level.

Principled reasoning

able to define principles about rights in terms of self-chosen principles.

Weighing interests

weighs person's interests vs. the rules/expectations of others.

Moral Development

Young adults who have mastered previous cognitive, social, and moral stages are usually able to recognize or use principled reasoning.

Kohlberg's Theory

Young adults operate at the post-conventional level, able to differentiate self from the rules/expectations of others.

Principled Reasoning

The ability to define principles about rights in terms of self-chosen principles and weigh a person's interests against society's needs.

Psychosocial Development

Erickson's stage of Intimacy vs Isolation, where forming intimate, loving, mutual relationships is crucial.

Success in Relationships

Leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.

Emotional Health

Related to the ability to resolve personal and social tasks.

Career Counseling

May benefit young adults, especially as trends show more women working while pregnant and men more aware of parental responsibilities.

Childbearing Family Changes

Pregnant women undergo physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes.

Cognitive Changes in Pregnancy

Includes temporary sensory changes and educational needs.

Psychosocial Changes in Pregnancy

Related to body image, role changes, sexuality, coping mechanisms, and stresses.

Health Risks for Young Adults

Includes STIs/STDs, violence, substance use, depression, suicide, unwanted pregnancies, and occupational/environmental risk factors.

Lifestyle Concerns

Includes smoking, stress, exercise patterns, personal hygiene, familial history, and infertility.

Leading Causes of Death

Includes suicide, self-inflicted injuries, and unintentional injuries.

Health Behavior Trends

Young adults are less likely to eat healthy, be physically active, seek care, and more likely to use social media for health questions.

Preventive Health Concerns

Includes developing behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle and decreasing the incidence of accidents, injuries, and acts of violence.

WHO Family Planning/Contraception

Guidelines aimed at improving health outcomes for young adults.

Challenges of Young Adults

Includes adjusting to roles and responsibilities of adulthood, intellectual maturity, and moral development.

Nurse's Role

Includes prolonging optimal physical functioning, developing emotional, mental, and social potential, and encouraging proper health habits.

Health Promotion Intervention

Stresses the importance of health promotion during the prenatal period for both woman and fetus.

CSEP Guidelines

24-hour movement activity guidelines for individuals aged 17-64 years.