psych study guide 12

What is emerging adulthood?

Emerging adulthood is a transitional stage between adolescence and full adulthood, usually occurring between ages 18–25.

Why is emerging adulthood more common in industrialized societies?

Emerging adulthood is more common in industrialized societies because:

• Education lasts longer

• Careers require more training

• Marriage and parenthood occur later

• Career paths are less direct and predictable

What are the main characteristics of emerging adulthood according to research?

• Identity exploration

• Instability

• Self-focus

• Feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood

• Many possibilities and optimism

What is Erikson’s intimacy vs. isolation stage?

• Intimacy: forming deep emotional and romantic connections with others

• Isolation: feeling lonely, emotionally disconnected, or unable to form close relationships

Why is identity development important for intimacy?

A stable sense of identity is necessary before true intimacy can occur.

If individuals do not know who they are or what they value, they may struggle to form healthy close relationships.

What is Daniel Levinson’s theory of adult development?

Levinson proposed that adulthood develops in “seasons” or stages.

During early adulthood (17–45), individuals:

• Build a life structure

• Develop careers

• Form intimate relationships

• Create a “dream” for the future

What did Levinson find about gender differences in adult dreams?

Men’s dreams were often strongly career-focused

• focus on certain relationships and aspirations and set aside others

Women’s dreams often balanced relationships and careers

• often feel unsettled due to new committments

What did George Vaillant add to Erikson’s theory?

• Career consolidation, Meaning-making, Greater emphasis on emotional maturity

• He also highlighted adaptive coping strategies

• Mature defense mechanisms such as humor and altruism.

What are the specific age stages within Valiants theory?

• In 20s: people still focused on intimacy

• 30s: people are more career focused

• 40s: people are more generative (giving back), traditions and leaders

• 50s + 60s: keeping generativity going, keeping family meaning going, continuous traditions

• Late: people become more spiritual, life has meaning

What is the social clock?

The social clock refers to cultural expectations about the timing of important life events, including:

• Marriage

• Parenthood

• Career success

People who follow expected timelines may feel socially accepted, while those “off-time” may experience stress or pressure.

What factors are important when choosing romantic partners?

• Physical attraction

• Similarity in values and interests

• Emotional support

• Trust

• Reliability

• Shared goals

How does evolutionary theory explain gender differences in mate selection?

• Men tend to value fertility cues such as youth and attractiveness

• Women tend to value resources, ambition, and security

These preferences are thought to reflect reproductive survival strategies.

How do cultural theories explain gender differences in choosing partners?

• Social expectations

• Gender roles

• Economic opportunities

As societies become more gender-equal, differences in partner preferences decrease.

How do secure attachment styles affect adult relationships?

Securely attached adults tend to:

• Trust others

• Communicate openly

• Feel comfortable with intimacy

• Maintain stable relationships

How do avoidant attachment styles affect adult relationships?

Avoidant adults often:

• Fear dependence

• Avoid emotional closeness

• have mistrust

• appear emotionally distant

How do resistant/anxious attachment styles affect adult relationships?

• Fear abandonment

• Become clingy

• Need constant reassurance

• Experience emotional highs and lows

• Relationships may feel unstable or stressful.

What is Sternberg’s triangular theory of love?

Sternberg proposed that love contains three components:

1. Intimacy – emotional closeness

2. Passion – physical attraction

3. Commitment – decision to remain together

Different combinations create different forms of love.

What behaviors characterize successful long-term couples?

• Communicate effectively

• Resolve conflicts constructively

• Support each other emotionally

• Show respect and affection

• Maintain trust and commitment

What behaviors predict relationship dissatisfaction and separation?

• Criticism

• Contempt

• Defensiveness

• Stonewalling

• Poor conflict resolution

These patterns damage emotional connection over time.

How do same-gender friendships differ from cross-gender friendships in adulthood?

Same-gender friendships often involve:

• Emotional sharing

• Support

• Deep conversation

Cross-gender friendships are often:

• Activity-based

• Less emotionally expressive

• Influenced by social expectations

How do sibling relationships usually change in adulthood?

• Less conflict-filled

• More supportive

• More emotionally meaningful

Shared life experiences often strengthen bonds.

What factors influence whether young adults live independently?

• Financial stability

• Employment

• Education level

• Cultural expectations

• Housing costs

Economic pressures often delay independent living.

What is the difference between traditional and egalitarian marriage?

Traditional marriage:

• Gender-specific roles

• Male breadwinner, Female homemaker

Egalitarian marriage:

• Shared household responsibilities

• Shared decision-making, Greater equality between spouses

What factors contribute to marital satisfaction?

• Good communication

• Fair division of labor

• Shared values

• Financial stability

• Emotional support

• Realistic expectations

Research findings on parenting in marriage:

• Timing: later parenthood equals more stability

• First child: often decreases marital satisfaction

• More children equals more stress, but also more meaning and purpose

• Equal parenting roles lead to better outcomes

• Stressors: time, finances, sleep struggles

What are different meanings of singlehood in adulthood?

Singlehood can be:

• Temporary

• Long-term

Many single adults experience high life satisfaction when they maintain strong social relationships.

What is the difference between cohabitation as preparation for marriage and as an alternative to marriage?

Preparation for marriage:

• Testing compatibility before marriage

Alternative to marriage:

• Choosing long-term partnership without formal marriage

Why can cohabitation before engagement increase divorce risk?

Research suggests some couples:

• “Slide” into marriage without deliberate commitment

• Develop unclear expectations

• Stay together because of convenience rather than strong commitment

Quality of life for adults without children"?

• Often high life satisfaction

• more freedom and less financial stressors

• face societal pressures still

What factors increase the likelihood of divorce?

• Young age at marriage

• Financial stress

• Poor communication

• Infidelity

Why are remarriages especially vulnerable to divorce?

• Stepfamily adjustment

• Parenting conflicts

• Financial issues

• Unrealistic expectations

• Emotional baggage from previous marriages

How do the outcomes for divorce compare for children and adults?

Outcomes are fairly similar

• Stress and adjustment difficulties

• People benefit from stability and low conflict

• After separation, people experience disrupted social networks, anxiety, less support

What challenges do stepparents commonly face?

• Unclear authority roles

• Discipline problems

• Relationship building with stepchildren

• Family adjustment stress

What challenges do never-married single parents commonly experience?

• Financial strain

• Limited time

• High stress

• Balancing work and parenting responsibilities

What does research say about gay and lesbian parents?

Research shows:

• Children of gay and lesbian parents develop similarly to children of heterosexual parents

• Parenting quality matters more than parents’ sexual orientation

Challenges may include:

• Social stigma

• Discrimination

What are the major stages of career development?

1. Exploration

2. Establishment

3. Advancement

4. Maintenance (later adulthood)

Individuals gradually develop skills, stability, and professional identity.

What career challenges do women often face?

• Gender wage gaps

• Work-family conflict

• Career interruptions related to caregiving

• Discrimination or glass ceiling effects

What career challenges do ethnic minorities often face?

• Discrimination

• Reduced access to opportunities

• Workplace bias

• Lower representation in leadership positions

What challenges do dual-earner couples face?

• Work-family conflict

• Time management stress

• Childcare responsibilities

• Balancing careers and relationships

Successful couples often rely on flexibility and cooperation.