Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood Chapter 13

Becoming an Adult Emerging Adulthood- The transition from adolescence to adulthood (occurring from 18-25) Characterized by experimentation and exploration. Exploring: Career path Their identity Lifestyle (single, married, cohabiting, etc)

Becoming an Adult Key Features of Emerging Adulthood Identity exploration, especially in love and work. Instability in residence, love, work, education Self-focused (little in way of commitments and social obligations) Feeling in-between Age of possibilities- transforming their lives

Becoming an Adult US at risk youth entered emerging adulthood slightly earlier than general population Resilience is shown in moving their life in a positive direction following a trouble adolescence.

Becoming an Adult Suggestions for helping adolescents become more mature: Provide them with opportunities to be meaningful contributors. Give candid, quality feedback to adolescents (how the real world works) Create positive adult connections with adolescents (wider social world) Challenge adolescents to become more competent. (Accomplish more)

Becoming an Adult Markers of becoming an Adult Full-time job Economic independence Responsibility for oneself Marriage Study: Continued co-residence with parents during emerging adulthood slowed down the process of becoming a self-sufficient and independent adult

Becoming an Adult Going to College Top-dog phenomenon Impersonal school structure Interaction with peers from diverse backgrounds Feeling of grown up Exploring different lifestyles and values Greater independence from parents Challenged intellectually More stress and depression from previous generations

Physical Development Peak levels of physical performance before the age of 30 Some decline Emerging adults have more than twice the mortality rate of adolescents Few chronic health problems Seem to continue bad health problems from adolescents Gets under seven hours of sleep a night Rates of preventive services generally low

Physical Development Obesity Linked to increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health problems Some inherit a tendency to be overweight Greater availability of food high in fat Greater reliance on energy-saving devices Declining physical activity Although obesity is on the rise, dieting has become an obsession

Physical Development Exercise Aerobic Exercise-sustained exercise (such as jogging, swimming, or cycling) that stimulates heart and lungs Young adults need 30 minutes or more of aerobic exercise Helpful strategies Reduce screen time Chart your progress Get rid of excuses Imagine the alternative

Physical Development Substance Abuse Many have reduced their use of alcohol and drugs Only 20% of college students reported no alcohol Addiction- A pattern of behavior characterized by an overwhelming involvement with using a drug And a preoccupation with securing its supply

Physical Development Alcohol Binge drinking-multiple drinks in a row College rates very high, especially in men Alcoholism -a disorder that involves long-term, repeated, uncontrolled, compulsive, and excessive use of alcoholic beverages Impairs the drinker's health and social relationships Some genetic and environmental influence About 1/3 alcoholics recover

Physical Development Cigarette Smoking Linked to 30% of cancer deaths 21% of heart disease deaths 82% of chronic pulmonary disease deaths Secondhand smoke is implicated in as many as 9,000 lung cancer deaths a year Seems to be declining in young adults

Physical Development Sexual Activity By 25, most have had sexual intercourse Average age of marriage in US in 28 for males and 26 for females Casual sex is more common Hooking Up - non-relationship sex Impulsivity, sensation seeking, and alcohol use were predictors of higher likelihood of hooking up Emerging adults have more sexual partners, but less frequently than younger adults

Physical Development Heterosexual Attitudes and Behavior American sex lives are more conservative than was previously believed Typically ruled by marriage and monogamy

Physical Development Sources of Sexual Orientation Generally seen not as an 'either/or' proposition Continuum ranging from exclusive male-female relations to.... Exclusive same-sex relations Some are bisexual- evidence supports the notion that it is a stable orientation that involves attraction to both sexes

Physical Development Sexual Orientation The results of hormone studies have been inconsistent Sexual orientation (same-sex, heterosexual, or bisexual)... Is most likely determined by a combination of genetic, hormonal, cognitive, and environmental factors The relative weight of each factor can vary from one individual to the next

Physical Development Attitudes and behavior of Lesbians and Gays Many gender differences that appear in heterosexual relationships also occur in same-sex relationships. Like.....lesbians are less permissive about casual sex than gay men 20 % of sexual minority adults reported having experienced a person or property crime related to their sexual orientation 50% said they had experienced verbal harassment

Physical Development STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) Affect about one in six US adults HIV/AIDS deaths in US are declining

Physical Development HIV/AIDS Strategies for Protection Know your risk status and that of your partner Obtain medical examination Have protected sex- condoms are most effective No multiple partners

Physical Development Rape Forcible sexual intercourse with a person who does not consent to it Victims are reluctant to reporting Rape of men does occur (especially vulnerable to rape in prisons) means of establishing their dominance and power Many men are socialized to be sexually aggressive.... And regard women as inferior

Physical Development Male Rapist, research: Aggression enhances their sense of power of masculinity They are angry at women in general They want to hurt and humiliate their victims Sexual assault was more likely to occur when the offender was using substances

Physical Development Victims Strive to get their lives back to normal May experience depression, fear, anxiety, increased substance use, and suicidal thoughts for months or years Recovery depends on the victims coping abilities and social support

Physical Development Date or acquaintance rape Coercive sexual activity directed at someone with whom the perpetrator is at least casually acquainted Two thirds of female college freshmen reported having been date raped or having experienced an attempted date rape at least once

Physical Development Sexual Harassment Manifestation of power of one person over another Inappropriate sexual remarks, physical contact etc. Sexual harassment of men happens, but to a lesser degree

Cognitive Development Piaget- formal operational thought is the final stage in cognitive development Characterizing adults as well as adolescents

Cognitive Development Postformal Stage??? (Needs more research) Thinking that is reflective, relativistic, contextual provisional realistic influenced by emotions

Cognitive Development Creativity - peaks in adulthood (in the forties) and then declines But the decline in the fifties is not as great as once thought

Careers and Work Mid 20's through the remainder of early adulthood Individuals are seeking to establish their emerging career Movement up the career ladder Improving financial standing Often a challenge for many ethnic minorities, women and poorly educated adults Especially in middle-income occupations because of outsourcing of jobs

Careers and Work Many youth drift aimlessly, engaging in behaviors that make finding meaningful work difficult later Many have no clear vision No commitment Some have no aspirations

Careers and Work Good questions for youth to answer: What's most important to you in your life? Why do you care about those things? Do you have any long-term goals? Why are these goals important to you? What does it mean to have a good life? If you were looking back on your life now, how would you likely be remembered?

Careers and Work Occupational Outlook Handbook (revised every 2 years) Helps with knowledge about different fields Service industries (including business and health), and education are projected to account for the greatest number of new jobs in the next 10 years. Jobs that require college degree are expected to grow the fastest and are higher paying.

Careers and Work Work defines people Financial standing, housing, health, friendships etc, Identity Create structure and rhythm to life 1/3 of time is typically spent working

Careers and Work Trends Disappearing long-term careers Dramatic increase in technology Availability of cheaper labor in other countries

Careers and Work Study: 55% indicated they were less productive because of stress Low salaries Lack of advancement opportunities Uncertain job expectation Long hours..... All linked to hypertension

Careers and Work Unemployment Produces stress Related to physical problems (such as heart attack and stroke) Emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety Marital difficulties Homicide Also linked to increased mortality risk for those in early and middle stages of their careers Decreased self esteem

Careers and Work Unemployed may need Supportive family Job counseling Self-help groups Practical advice on finding job, writing resumes, and job interviews

Careers and Work Dual-Earner Couples Challenges finding a balance between work and family Two earner couples has increased considerably

Careers and Work Dual-Earner Couples- still some gender inequalities Pay Home making Caring for children Career decisions often made in favor of men

Careers and Work Diversity Women in the labor force will increase faster than men Ethnic diversity also increasing Increasing diversity in workplace requires sensitivity and appreciation of cultural values Breaking the 'glass ceiling' is still an issue for climbing the corporate ladder