Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood

Emerging Adulthood Slower than in past to reach milestones of adulthood Prolonged identity development More education Later career entry Less available for low SES

Theories of Biological Aging DNA-Cellular Level Programmed effects of specific genes “Aging genes” Tolomere shortening Random Events Mutations and cancer Free radicals Organ and Tissue Level Cross-linkage theory Gradual failure of endocrine system Declines in immune system

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Changes Heart Few resting changes, lower performance under stress Hypertension, atherosclerosis Diseases declining - better lifestyle Lungs Maximum vital capacity declines after 25 Stiffness makes breathing harder with age

Aging and Athletic Performance Please insert Figure 13.2 - Ten-kilometer running times with advancing age, based on the performances of hundreds of master athletes (is 13.2b - swimming times - still in? If so, please separate the two halves of the figure onto two slides, if needed, for better viewing.)

Motor Performance in Adulthood Athletic skills peak between 20 and 35 Decline gradually until 60s or 70s, then faster Continued training slows loss Keep more vital capacity, muscle, response speed

The Immune System in Early Adulthood Declines after age 20: Fewer T cells from shrinking thymus B cells don’t work as well without T cells Stress weakens immune response

Rate of First Births to Women by Age Please insert Figure 13.3 - First births to American women of different ages in 1970 and 2004.

Leading Causes of Death in Early Adulthood Please insert Figure 13.4 - Leading causes of death between 25 and 44 years of age in the United States and Canada.

SES and Self-Reports of Health Please insert Figure 13.5 - Age differences in self-reported health status by socioeconomic status (SES), as indexed by education.

Causes of Overweight Heredity Environmental pressures Cheap fat and sugar Supersize portions Busy lives Snacks Take-out Lack of exercise

Consequences of Overweight Health Problems Blood pressure, heart Diabetes Liver, gallbladder Arthritis Sleep, digestive Social discrimination Housing Education, careers Mistreatment

Treating Obesity Diet and exercise Eating records Social support Problem-solving skills Extended intervention

Dietary Fat Saturated Fat Unsaturated Total fat From meat and dairy Solid at room temperature No more than 10% of daily calories Unsaturated Liquid vegetable oils Total fat 30% or less of daily calories

Variations in Dietary Fat and High Blood Pressure Among Black Africans Please insert Figure 13.7 - Dietary fat and prevalence of high blood pressure among black Africans in West Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States

Exercise Only one third get enough At least 30 minutes moderate five or more days a week More often, more vigorous is better Around one third of North Americans are inactive Women Low SES

Benefits of Exercise Reduces fat, builds muscle Boosts immune system, prevents some diseases Cardiovascular benefits Mental health benefits Stress reduction Self-esteem Longer life

Substance Use in Early Adulthood Peaks from 19-22 years, then declines But up to 20% ages 21-25 are substance abusers Cigarettes, chewing tobacco Alcohol Binge drinking Drugs Marijuana Stimulants Prescription drugs Party drugs

Cigarette Smoking 25% of Americans, 19% of Canadians Numbers slowly declining Less with higher education, but many college students smoke More women smoking Most smokers start before age 21 Deadly health risks Hard to quit Most in treatment programs restart

Alcohol Abuse in Early Adulthood 13% of men, 3% of women heavy drinkers About 1/3 of these alcoholics Genetic, cultural factors in alcoholism Causes mental, physical problems High social costs Treatment is difficult Half relapse in months

Heterosexual Sexual Activity in Early Adulthood 90% have intercourse by age 22 Most sex in the context of relationships 70% only 1 partner in past year Partners similar to each other Sex infrequent Only 1/3 twice a week or more More often in 20s, declines with age Most are satisfied Over 80% of those in relationships Minority report problems

Sex Difference in Sexual Attitudes Women more opposed to casual sex More men looking for play and pleasure Men more upset by sexual infidelity; women by emotional Lifetime number of partners similar for men and women Attitudes grow more similar with age

Homosexuality and Bisexuality in Early Adulthood 2.8% of men, 1.4% of women Estimated 30% same-sex couples do not report Similar behavior to heterosexuals Public acceptance growing Majority say it’s “OK,” support civil liberties, job opportunities Most well-educated; live in larger cities, college towns

Dangers of Sex STDs AIDS Sexual Coercion Rape Abuse

Factors Related to Sexual Coercion Perpetrator Characteristics Cultural Forces Believe traditional gender roles Approve violence against women; accept rape myths Perceive behavior inaccurately History of own abuse, promiscuity Alcohol abuse Men taught dominance, competition, aggression Women submission Acceptance of violence Aggressive pornography

Consequences of Rape and Sexual Abuse Trauma response Immediate shock Long-term problems Depression Physical injury STDs General ill health Negative behaviors

Preventing and Treating Rape and Abuse Community services Underfunded Few for men Routine screening Validation of experience Safety planning

Stress Related to Caused or worsened by Illness Unhealthy behavior Low SES Challenges of early adulthood

Fostering a Healthy Adult Life Healthy eating Maintain reasonable weight Keep fit Control alcohol No smoking Responsible sex Manage stress

The College Experience Formative, influential “developmental testing ground” Exposure to new ideas, beliefs, demands leads to cognitive growth, new thinking patterns Relativistic thinking Increased self-understanding Depends on participation in campus life

Dropping Out of College 30-50% drop out Personal factors Preparation, motivation, skills Financial problems, low SES Institutional factors Little help, community Cultural disrespect

Periods of Vocational Development Fantasy period Tentative period Realistic period Exploration Crystallization

Factors Influencing Vocational Choice Personality Family influences Teachers Gender stereotypes Access to vocational information

Personality Types and Vocational Choice Investigative Social Realistic Artistic Conventional Enterprising

Vocational Preparation of Non College-Bound North American high-school graduates poorly prepared to work Lack vocational placement, counseling Fewer opportunities than in past Limited jobs Work-study, apprenticeships can help Rare in North America Europe has model systems