The transition to adulthood Adolescence The transition to adulthood

Universal life passages The firsts: First day of school First tooth loss Bar mitzvah, First Communion Firsts for adolescence:

The pace of development – “clocks” Chronological clock: Age 18 is age of majority – vote, legal responsibilty 2. Biological clock: Individual differences Better nutrition has speeded up this clock 3. Psychological clock emotional maturity Late or early developers Social Clock Leave home; go to post secondary

Developmental theorists Erikson Identity vs. role confusion

Jane Loevinger: theory of ego development Ego development = understanding of self Early conformist stage: the world is black and white (Pleasantville) Follow the crowd ii. Self-aware stage Different experiences lead to separate opinions, a sense of one’s uniqueness Conscientious stage: Develop ability to reciprocate, feel empathy, appreciate others’ differences

Family life cycle Individuation occurs: separation from family of origin Take what you need and leave the rest Connect with peers (outside family) on a social and emotional level. Commit to school, career

Daniel levenson’s seasons of life Early adult transition (17-early 40s) Focus: leave behind adolescence and live in an adult life structure Education and work Enter adult world: (22-28) Form a dream Choose an occupation Find love relationship

Leonard pearlin’s theory of psychological distress Cohort effect: Changes occur because of the common social clock of peers E.g. Pressure to go to university is one type of social clock. Other social clocks?

All theorists agree on one thing – ‘life’ changes us change in symbolic interaction life Inner psychological change Life -success or failure