DevPsych - Ch 14

What is emerging adulthood?

A distinct period of life, roughly from ages 18 to 25 (can extend into late 20s), characterized by exploration, instability, self-focus, and a feeling of being in between adolescence and adulthood.

Who is the key theorist associated with emerging adulthood?

Jeffery Arnett, who proposed it as a new life stage due to societal changes prolonging the transition to adulthood.

What are the five key features of emerging adulthood?

Demographic instability, subjective feeling of being “in-between,” identity exploration, self-focus, and optimism.

Why is emerging adulthood not considered universal?

It's heavily researched with college students, linked to high SES, exists mainly in industrialized cultures, and most research is based on WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) samples.

What is Erik Erikson's first key psychosocial stage relevant to early adulthood?

Identity vs. Role Confusion, primarily in adolescence/emerging adulthood, involving forming a stable sense of self.

What are the five identity domains explored during emerging adulthood?

Moral, religious, political, gender & sexual, and ethnic-racial identity.

What is Erikson's second key psychosocial stage in early adulthood?

Intimacy vs. Isolation (ages 18–40), focused on forming deep, intimate relationships and making commitments.

How do early attachment styles influence adult romantic relationships?

Secure attachment leads to better communication and satisfaction; insecure avoidant leads to emotional distance; insecure resistant leads to fear of abandonment.

Who proposed the concept of the "social clock"?

Bernice Neugarten, referring to age-related societal expectations for major life events.

When is sexual activity typically highest in adulthood?

In young adulthood (mid-20s to mid-30s), declining modestly with age.

What is a key characteristic of casual sex ("hooking up") in emerging adulthood?

Common, often involves alcohol, and is associated with both positive and negative emotional outcomes, with a double standard for women.

What statistic is given for sexual assault among women?

About 1 in 3 women experience sexual assault in their lifetime, with emerging adulthood as a high-risk period.

What are "rape myths"?

False beliefs that blame the victim, claim only physical struggle counts as rape, etc., and are associated with perpetrating assault.

What are the common bases for friendship in adulthood?

Reciprocity, intimacy, companionship, and support; friends are usually similar but become more diverse in early adulthood.

What are the typical gender differences in adult friendships?

Women’s friendships tend to be more intimate; men’s often center on shared activities.

What are common mate preferences across cultures?

Men tend to value physical attractiveness and youth; women tend to value earning potential and maturity.

What is a key predictor of attraction and relationship satisfaction?

Perceived similarity; "opposites attract" is a myth.

What is the "paradox of choice" in online dating?

More options can lead to less satisfaction and greater difficulty committing.

What are the three components in Sternberg's Triangular Love Theory?

Intimacy (emotional closeness), Passion (physical/romantic attraction), and Commitment (decision to maintain love).

What is the cultural variation in views of love?

Western cultures emphasize passion; Eastern collectivist cultures emphasize companionship and commitment.

What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse directed at a romantic partner; severe chronic form is called intimate terrorism.

What are risk factors for IPV?

Childhood exposure to violence, economic stress, substance abuse, and cultural norms supporting male dominance.

What is the trend in singlehood?

Increasingly common, either by choice or circumstance; those “single by choice” often report high autonomy and satisfaction.

What is cohabitation?

The practice of unmarried couples sharing a home; over half of couples live together before marriage.

What was the "cohabitation effect," and is it still strong?

Historically linked to higher divorce rates, but this is fading as cohabitation becomes more normative.

What are predictors of marital success?

Older age at marriage, similarity between partners, effective communication, and perceived equity in household labor.

How does same-sex marriage compare to different-sex marriage?

Shows similar levels of love, satisfaction, and benefits; legalization has positive mental health effects.

What are risk factors for divorce?

Young age at marriage, economic disadvantage, parents’ divorce, and poor communication.

What is a common outcome after divorce over time?

Initially stressful and linked to poor health, but most people are resilient and show improved life satisfaction over time.

How does the transition to parenthood typically affect a couple?

Often leads to declines in marital satisfaction and a shift toward more traditional gender roles.

What percentage of U.S. births are to unmarried mothers?

About 40%, most of whom are cohabitating, and it is linked to higher poverty rates.

How do children raised by same-sex parents compare to those raised by heterosexual parents?

Show no differences in adjustment, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

What is voluntary childlessness also called, and how does it relate to life satisfaction?

"Childfree"; it is not associated with lower life satisfaction.