(1) Theories of Young Adulthood: Havighurst and Arnett

Introduction to Young Adulthood

• This lecture is the first in a series of four on young adulthood.

• Acknowledgment of Country: Lectures take place on Wurundjeri country, acknowledging elders, families, and descendants of the Wurundjeri people as custodians.

• Overview of the Series:

  • Lecture 11 (Today): Theories of young adulthood, exploring definitions and perspectives.

  • Lecture 12: Psychosocial developments (renegotiating family relationships, leaving home, study, work).

  • Lecture 13: Well-being and mental health issues prominent in young adulthood.

  • Lecture 14: Love and romanti c partnerships, chosen in homage to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory.

Erikson's Psychosocial Theory Connection

• Each life period involves a psychosocial dialectic.

• For young adulthood, Erikson's identified challenge is intimacy versus isolation.

• This emphasizes the grappling with establishing intimacy with others, hence the focus on love and romantic partnerships.

Lecture Resources and Approach

• Primary Resource: Lecture content itself is sufficient.

• Secondary Resource: Textbook readings are optional for extra background or clarification.

• Additional Depth: Detailed written notes are available underneath the PowerPoint slides for deeper reflections.

Reflective Thinking Exercise

• Students are encouraged to actively reflect and question the content against their own perspectives and experiences.

• Consider developmental diversity and the theory of emerging adulthood.

• Think about opportunities and constraints in emerging adulthood that contribute to diversity in developmental paths.

• Reflect on how these opportunities and constraints have personally affected individuals.

Defining Adulthood: When are you an Adult?

• The transition from late adolescence to adulthood is often a