Adulthood I’ll know I’m really an adult when…..

I’ll Know I’m really adult when…. Adulthood depends on gaining maturity, knowledge, and social responsibility. Attaining adulthood is not simply a matter of chronological age or the legal rights that go with it, but a matter of maturing in ways that make one a happy, productive member of society.

Maturity The first step to becoming an adult is gaining maturity. What is maturity?  Physical vs. Emotional Maturity How can you tell if you’re mature?

Maturity Physical Maturity: The state at which the physical body and all its organs are fully developed. - Physical Maturity will happen automatically. - By late adolescence or the early 20’s, most people will have achieved physical maturity.

Maturity Emotional Maturity: The state at which the mental and emotional capabilities of an individual are fully developed. Many people will not become emotionally mature until after they mature physically. Examples: - Achieving independence along with close relationships - Strong personal identity/Self acceptance - Strong values - Future goals

Stages of Life Childhood: Birth – 12 years old Early Adolescence: years old Late Adolescence: years old Early Adulthood: years old Middle Adulthood: 41 – 65 years old Late Adulthood: 65+

Developmental Tasks A developmental task is something that needs to occur during a particular stage for a person to continue his or her growth toward becoming a healthy, mature adult. What developmental tasks have you accomplished during your childhood stage? Adolescence?

Developmental Tasks of Childhood Develop a conscience Learn to communicate Develop trust Learn creativity Learn initiative Learn to walk Sense of autonomy

Developmental Tasks of Adolescence Achieving emotional independence from parents Form mature relationships with peers Preparing for adulthood-marriage, family life, and career Accepting one’s physique Acquiring a set of personal standards as a guide for behavior Developing social intelligence Being able to cope with success and failure Develop problem-solving skills

Developmental Tasks of Adolescence Place a check next to the developmental tasks you have already accomplished. Circle the developmental tasks you have not achieved. On a separate piece of paper write down one adolescence developmental task you accomplished and explain how you know you accomplished this task. Write down one developmental task you have not achieved. When do you think you will achieve this task? What do you still need to accomplish to achieve this task?

Developmental Tasks of Adulthood An individual needs to satisfy well-defined developmental tasks of adulthood in order to reach emotional maturity. These developmental tasks take longer to achieve because they consist of learning and gaining insight and experience. There are 4 major developmental tasks of adulthood.

Developmental Tasks of Adulthood These Developmental Tasks include: - Individual Identity/Personal Independence - Intimate Relationships - Place in Society - Occupational Role

Establishing an Individual Identity & Personal Independence… Having individual identity and being self sufficient Self-Actualization: developing one’s capabilities to the fullest; striving to become the best that you can be. (Goals that motivate and inspire you) What are the first steps most young adults take to achieve self-actualization?

Establishing a Place in Society… Determining where and how a person fits into society. Examples: Political views Religious views Social Responsibility

Establishing Intimate Relationships… Building close relationships with people, while still maintaining a sense of self. Emotional Intimacy: the ability to experience a caring, loving relationship with another person, sharing your innermost feelings. Marriage vs. Life-long partner vs. Single How is the ability to maintain an adult relationship established?

Establishing an Occupational Role… Finding a career (Career vs. Job) How will you make this choice? How will you prepare? - Education, on the job training, internships, etc. Money or Happiness?

“Somewhere inside we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” –Pat Tillman gtnMhttp:// gtnM dd_shttp:// dd_s

Writing Prompt Part One: Life is full of crossroads and big decisions…if you were given these two choices which would you opt for? Choose one and briefly explain why. Option A Join the Army Rangers during a time of war, exposing yourself to rigorous training, hazardous conditions, and an unknown environment that is susceptible to death. Option B Sign a 3-year contract for 3.6 million dollars to continue to pursue a passion that has been part of your entire life. Part Two: Pat Tillman chose Patriotism over a Paycheck What would motivate an individual to choose A?! Try to think of one descriptive word that would justify his decision. Explain. How does this decision made by Pat Tillman relate to any of the developmental task of adulthood? Choose one or two and briefly explain why.

Do Now… Write down 4 specific developmental tasks for each stage of life Childhood Adolescence Adulthood

Stages of Life Childhood: Birth – 12 years old Early Adolescence: years old Late Adolescence: years old Early Adulthood: years old Middle Adulthood: 41 – 65 years old Late Adulthood: 65+

Middle Adulthood Transitions: critical changes that occur at all stages of life. Graduating from high school and going out to make your place in this world – college, military, job, etc. Middle Adulthood Transition = Generativity: a shift of attention away from one-self to concerns for future generations.

Physical Transitions Around age 40, adults show physical signs of aging. - wrinkles - dry skin - decline of hearing/eyesight - gray hair/thinning of hair - muscle loss - menopause (females)

Mental & Emotional Transitions Most often people look back at what they accomplished in their life vs. “Mid-Life Crisis”

Social Transitions Death of parents Adaptation to children leaving home to establish independence Empty-Nest Syndrome: feelings of despair or loneliness that accompany children leaving home and entering adulthood.

Late Adulthood Final Stage of Development Typically accompanied by retirement from the workforce (as early as age 50 or well into one’s eighties) Typically free from pressures and daily responsibilities

Physical Changes Age spots Skin loses elasticity Functioning of body’s organs slows Immune system becomes less effective Cancer, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s

Emotional & Social Changes Integrity: a feeling of wholeness and contentment. Family and close social relationships, religion, and integrity allow older individuals to enjoy the life they have left and accept the approach of death.

DO NOW….. (9/9) What is the difference between emotional and physical maturity? What are the stages of life and the ages for each stage? What is a developmental task? What do you think happens if an individual does not reach the developmental tasks at each stage of life?