YOUNG ADULTHOOD

DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS (AGES 20-40) Exploring adult roles Becoming independent Developing intimate relationships Adjusting to living with another person Starting a family and becoming a parent Assuming the responsibilities of managing a home Beginning a career

REASSESSMENT Late 20s to early 30s Reevaluate the decisions you have made in an effort to determine whether your chosen course is really the one for you Women especially reassess in their 30s: Biological changes May want career after having a family

ERIK ERIKSON Intimacy vs. Isolation Key task during young adulthood is forming relationships Patriarchy: men play dominant role in marriage

DIVORCE Over 60% of marriages end in divorce No Fault Divorce Increased economic independence of women Extremely high expectations Can lead to feelings of failure, loneliness, fear and depression OR it can be a time of personal growth and renewal

EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN Children of divorced parents are more likely to have behavioral problems, engage in substance abuse and earn lower grades Children are impacted because: Fear of change Fear of being abandoned Losing attachment Coping with parental tension

EFFECTS OF DIVORCE ON CHILDREN Danger Signs: Trying to bring parents back together Aggression and defiance Depression and withdrawal Appropriate Strategies Both parents must be involved Parents must respect one another Avoid criticizing each other