psyc 210 developmental psychology unit 9 study guides

Key Concepts and Theories

• Emerging adulthood proposed by Jeffrey Arnett as a distinct developmental stage between adolescence and young adulthood (ages 18-29)
• Identity exploration involves trying out various life possibilities and gradually moving towards making enduring decisions
• Instability characterized by frequent changes in relationships, jobs, and living situations
• Self-focus with fewer daily obligations to others allows for self-discovery and personal growth
• Feeling "in-between" adolescence and adulthood leads to ambivalence about adult responsibilities
• Possibilities and optimism about the future despite challenges
• Levinson's life structure theory posits alternating periods of stability and transition
  • Early adult transition (ages 17-22) involves exploring options and building a provisional life structure
  • Entering the adult world (ages 22-28) focuses on establishing a more stable life structure

Physical Development

• Peak physical functioning reached in early adulthood with optimal strength, coordination, and cardiovascular health
• Brain development continues, particularly in the prefrontal cortex responsible for executive functions (planning, decision-making, impulse control)
• Synaptic pruning and myelination enhance neural efficiency and processing speed
• Circadian rhythms shift towards later bedtimes and wake times compared to adolescence
• Lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, substance use) begin to impact long-term health outcomes
• Fertility peaks in the mid-20s for both men and women
  • Women's fertility declines more rapidly after age 35 due to decreased egg quality and quantity
• Physical appearance becomes a greater concern as signs of aging emerge (wrinkles, gray hair)

Cognitive Changes

• Piaget's formal operational stage reached, allowing for abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and systematic problem-solving
• Postformal thought emerges, characterized by relativistic thinking, acceptance of contradiction, and pragmatism
• Cognitive processing speed and working memory peak in the early 20s and then gradually decline
• Crystallized intelligence (knowledge and skills acquired through experience) continues to grow
• Fluid intelligence (ability to reason and solve novel problems) begins to decline in the late 20s
• Expertise develops in specific domains through deliberate practice and experience
• Metacognition and self-regulation skills improve, enabling better planning, goal-setting, and self-monitoring
• Cognitive biases and heuristics continue to influence decision-making and judgment

Social and Emotional Growth

• Erikson's stage of intimacy vs. isolation involves forming close, committed relationships or risking feelings of loneliness
• Emotional regulation skills improve, leading to greater emotional stability and resilience
• Self-esteem generally increases as individuals establish a clearer sense of identity and competence
• Empathy and perspective-taking abilities continue to develop, facilitating deeper social connections
• Friendships become more selective and based on shared interests, values, and emotional support
• Romantic relationships shift towards longer-term commitments and cohabitation
• Work relationships become an important source of social interaction and support
• Sibling relationships may evolve as individuals establish independent lives and families

Career and Education Paths

• Exploration of various career options through internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work
• Vocational identity develops as individuals clarify their interests, skills, and work values
• Pursuit of higher education (college, graduate school) to gain specialized knowledge and credentials
• Balancing work and personal life becomes a challenge as responsibilities increase
• Job instability and frequent job changes are common in the early career stage
• Development of professional networks and mentoring relationships
• Acquisition of workplace skills and navigating organizational culture
• Grappling with student loan debt and financial independence

Relationships and Family Formation

• Cohabitation becomes more common as a precursor or alternative to marriage
• Average age of first marriage has increased (late 20s to early 30s) as individuals prioritize education and career
• Dual-earner families become the norm, requiring negotiation of work-family roles and responsibilities
• Transition to parenthood brings joy and challenges as individuals adapt to new roles and demands
  • Parenting styles and practices are influenced by one's own upbringing, cultural background, and values
• Sandwich generation challenges emerge as individuals care for both children and aging parents
• Diverse family structures (single-parent, blended, same-sex) become more prevalent
• Maintaining healthy communication and conflict resolution skills is key to relationship satisfaction

Challenges and Transitions

• Quarter-life crisis may occur as individuals question their life choices and direction
• Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression) can emerge due to stress and life transitions
• Substance abuse and risky behaviors may persist from adolescence or escalate in response to challenges
• Financial strain and debt can cause significant stress and impact life decisions
• Work-life balance becomes a struggle as individuals juggle multiple roles and responsibilities
• Navigating breakups, divorce, and co-parenting when relationships end
• Coping with loss and grief related to death of loved ones (parents, grandparents)
• Adapting to technological advancements and their impact on work, relationships, and daily life

Cultural and Societal Influences

• Societal expectations and norms shape the timing and pathways of adult role transitions (education, career, marriage, parenthood)
• Gender roles and expectations continue to evolve, influencing career choices, family formation, and division of household labor
• Cultural values and practices shape family dynamics, parenting approaches, and intergenerational relationships
• Socioeconomic status and income inequality impact access to education, job opportunities, and resources for success
• Racial and ethnic identity influence experiences of discrimination, acculturation, and social support
• Media and social media portrayals of early adulthood can create unrealistic expectations and pressures
• Political and economic conditions (recession, job market) affect career prospects and financial stability
• Globalization and increased diversity lead to exposure to new ideas, values, and ways of life