Chapter 11 – Relationships in Emerging, Established, and Middle Adulthood E3

Friendship

Essential for well-being; provides support and companionship.

Love relationships

Romantic patterns vary across cultures; intimacy and commitment evolve with age.

Violence in relationships

Exists in some contexts, affecting safety and well-being.

Singlehood

Challenges include social pressure and potential isolation; advantages include autonomy and self-development.

Cohabitation

Often a precursor to marriage or alternative lifestyle; tests compatibility.

Marriage across adulthood

Involves shared activities, mutual support, and adaptation over time.

Parenting delayed into 30s

Is increasingly common.

Family responsibilities

Raising children, caregiving for aging parents, balancing career and personal life.

Family forms

Nuclear, blended, single-parent, multi-generational; roles vary by context.

Divorce

Can be stressful, affects finances and relationships, especially with children.

Remarriage

Often involves renewed expectations but must consider prior experiences and children's needs.