Intellectual Changes in Adulthood

K. Warner Schale (2013)
- Initiated a significant study in 1956 focusing on cognitive functions in adulthood.
Key Concept: "Use it or Lose it"
- This phrase emphasizes the importance of engaging in cognitive activities to maintain cognitive functions throughout adulthood.
Maintaining Cognitive Functions
- Cognitive functions can be preserved with age through:
- Social-Emotional Development
  - Involves the ability to form and maintain relationships and communicate effectively with others.
- Personality Development
  - Refers to the ongoing development of personal traits and individual personality throughout adulthood.
Adolescent Search for Identity
- This process is critical for young adults as they transition into adulthood.
- Various statuses of identity include:
- Diffusion
  - A state where the individual has not yet made a commitment to an identity and is not actively exploring options.
- Foreclosure
  - Involves commitment without exploration; adopting values and goals from others, often parents.
- Moratorium
  - A state of active exploration but without making commitments; characterized by a search for new experiences and values.
- Identity Achievement
  - The status where an individual has successfully explored and committed to an identity.
Relationships with Parents and Peers
- Peer relationships undergo changes throughout the transition to adulthood.
- Important to understand the dynamics of these relationships as they impact personal identity and development.
Concept of "Storm and Stress"
- A phrase that refers to the emotional upheaval and conflict commonly experienced during adolescence, including common issues such as rebellion, conflict with parents, and other stressors.
Peer Relationships and Their Changes
- As individuals age, the nature of peer relationships typically evolves, significantly impacting emotional and social well-being.
Stages vs. Critical Events in Adulthood
- Discussion of whether development can be understood in terms of stages or is better represented as a series of critical events.
Key Events in Early Adulthood
- Major life events that characterize early adulthood include:
- Marriage and Family
  - Establishing a family unit often marks a significant transition.
- Cohabitation
  - This contemporary arrangement wherein couples live together before marriage reflects changing societal norms.
- Attachment Revisited
  - Refers to the importance of attachment styles developed in earlier life stages and their influence on adult relationships.
- Establishing a Career
  - Navigating the complexities of the job market and career choices, which play a crucial role in adult identity and satisfaction.