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Emotional and Social Development in Early Adulthood Notes

Development Through the Lifespan: Emotional and Social Development in Early Adulthood

Learning Objectives

  • 14.1 Emotional and Social Development: Understanding emerging adulthood, including cultural influences and individual variations.
  • 14.2 Erikson's Theories: Personality changes occurring during early adulthood according to Erikson.
  • 14.3 Psychosocial Theories: Overview of Levinson's and Vaillant's theories on adult personality development.
  • 14.4 The Social Clock: Definition and impact on adulthood development.
  • 14.5 Mate Selection Factors: Key factors influencing mate selection and understanding evolving forms of love.
  • 14.6 Friendship and Sibling Relationships: Impact of young adult friendships and sibling relationships on psychological well-being.
  • 14.7 Family Life Cycle Phases: Analysis of early adulthood family life cycle phases and influential factors.
  • 14.8 Adult Lifestyles Diversity: Exploration of singlehood, cohabitation, and childlessness in adult lifestyles.
  • 14.9 Divorce and Remarriage: Factors leading to high divorce rates and remarriage.
  • 14.10 Parenthood Challenges: Discuss parenting styles, including roles of stepparents and same-sex parents.
  • 14.11 Career Development Patterns: Career growth patterns and challenges faced by diverse groups including women and ethnic minorities.

Introduction to Early Adulthood

  • Transitions include:
    • Identity development
    • Seeking close relationships
    • Establishing new family units and parenthood
    • Mastering chosen careers

Emerging Adulthood

  • A transitional period between adolescence and adulthood characterized by:
    • Feeling in between
    • Identity exploration
    • Self-focused with fewer obligations to others
    • Instability in relationships and work
    • Possibilities for change in life paths

Identity Development

  • Depth and commitment lead to better self-esteem and well-being.
  • Excessive breadth may lead to anxiety and poor adjustment.
  • Cultures influence the patterns of identity exploration.
  • Dual-cycle model: The process fluctuates between exploration and reconsideration.

Religion in Emerging Adulthood

  • Decline in organized religious affiliation among U.S. young adults.
  • Individualized faith often formed, promoting better adjustment.

Cultural Change and Social Influence

  • Cultural shifts are evident in:
    • Job market requiring education increases.
    • Variations in opportunities based on socio-economic status.
  • Emerging adulthood mainly affects higher SES youth in developed countries and wealthier segments in developing nations.

Intimacy vs. Isolation (Erikson)

  • Intimacy: Involvement in permanent partnerships that deepen self-identity and foster connections.
  • Isolation: Challenges in forming relationships due to fear of losing individuality.

Levinson's Theory of Adult Seasons

  • Early Adult Transition: Engaging in dreams that guide life decisions; varying focuses for men and women.
  • Age-30 Transition: Notable shifts as men settle into life paths while women may confront instability.

Vaillant's Adaptation to Life

  • Constructs a framework of developmental phases:
    • 20s: Issues of intimacy.
    • 30s: Career and family consolidation.
    • 40s-60s: Generativity and personal reflection.

The Role of the Social Clock

  • Defines age-related expectations for life events.
  • Adhering to societal milestones can provide a sense of stability and self-assurance.

Mate Selection

  • Most adults choose partners with similar backgrounds and values.
  • Gender influences this process:
    • Women prioritize financial stability and emotional connection.
    • Men value physical attraction and youth.
  • Early bonding experiences affect later relationship dynamics.

Friendship in Early Adulthood

  • Friendships enhance self-esteem and provide social support.
  • Sibling relationships evolve and offer companionship and shared values.

Family Life Cycle Phases in Early Adulthood

  1. Leaving Home: Increasing age for departure influenced by financial issues and culture.
  2. Marriage and Parenthood: Shifts in expectations regarding marriage timing, values, and actions.

Trends in Marriage

  • Later marriages and dual-income families are common.
  • Cohabitation is increasingly viewed as normal.

Parenting Challenges

  • Parenting roles become traditional upon the first child; shift toward egalitarianism expected with additional children.
  • Access to parenting education enhances parenting skills and stress management.

Career Development

  • Early career disappointments are common as expectations often exceed reality.
  • Gender Discrepancies: Women often face challenges due to career breaks related to family, and ethnic minorities encounter bias in the workplace.

Conclusion

  • Early adulthood involves significant transitions across social, emotional, and professional domains, compounded by cultural influences and individual choices. These aspects shape the overall developmental trajectory and well-being of young adults.