Early and Middle Adulthood

 Male and Female Adult development is different, due to the fact that many women enter the workforce, leave to have children, then re-enter  Life structure: the combination of statuses, roles, activities, goals, values, beliefs, and life circumstances that characterize an individual  Three basic eras of adulthood:  Early adulthood (17-39)  Middle adulthood (40-59)  Late adulthood (60-75+)

 Early Adult Transition (ages 17-23)This period represents the bridge between adulthood and adolescence  The most important task of this period is leaving home, both physically and psychologically  This transition is usually gradual and happens over time  Move away for college, yet still financially and emotionally dependent on parents  Work, financially independent, yet still live at home  Work, live with roommates/significant other

 Entering the Adult World (ages 23-27)  Two major tasks that are contradictory:  Explore a variety of relationships and career opportunities  Become a responsible member of society and form a stable life structure  Age 30 Transition (ages 28-32)  Look back on one’s choices, re-evaluate  Divorce is common during this time  Often involves shifts in direction

 Novice Phase-first 3 parts of Early Adulthood  Make a place for themselves in the adult world and construct a life structure  Settling Down Period (ages 33-39)  This stage usually involves “making it”, usually by advancing their careers, making commitments to family, friends, etc.  This may involve a break with a mentor to “find oneself”  Mentor: a person who fosters another’s development by believing in them and helping them achieve their dreams

 Midlife Transition (ages 40-44)  Like the age 30 transition, many people question and re-evaluate their life choices  Many come to realize that some dreams will not be fulfilled  Can be a time of crisis

 Many find the dual roles of motherhood and career role to be a strain  Some women find that once their children are school aged, it becomes easier to focus on their career  Women in their 30s are often in the same place as men in their 20s career-wise

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