Chapter 14: Psychosocial Development in Emerging and Young Adulthood

Identity Development

The process through which individuals form an understanding of themselves and their roles in society, often characterized by phases such as identity confusion, resolution, and achievement.

Moratorium Status

A period of self-exploration and crisis that leads to identity achievement, where individuals actively explore different roles or beliefs.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

A psychosocial crisis described by Erikson, where the challenge of young adulthood revolves around forming close relationships versus feeling isolated.

The Big Five Personality Traits

A model comprised of five key dimensions of personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

Cohabitation

An arrangement where unmarried couples live together in a sexual relationship, increasingly common but often less stable than marriage.

Extramarital Sexual Activity

Romantic or sexual relationships outside of marriage, reported by a significant percentage of married individuals, especially among younger adults.

Marital Satisfaction

The degree to which partners in a marriage feel content and fulfilled in their partnership, influenced by factors such as economic resources and communication.

Parental Involvement

The active role that parents take in the upbringing of their children, which varies significantly by gender and societal norms.

Ethnic Identity

An individual's sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group, which can impact self-esteem and social interactions.

Dual-Income Families

Households where both partners work, facing unique challenges such as work-life balance and time management, especially in child-rearing.

Remarriage

The act of marrying again after a divorce, often accompanied by specific challenges related to blending families and managing relationships with stepchildren.

Divorce Rate

The number of divorces per 1,000 people within a specific time frame, reflective of societal norms and individual choices.

Fictive Kin

Non-familial relationships that are perceived as family-like, providing support and companionship, often important in adult friendships.

Infidelity

Breach of a couple's exclusive relationship agreement, often leading to significant emotional distress and relationship instability.

Parenthood

The state of being a parent, which brings both joys and challenges, impacting overall marital satisfaction and family dynamics.