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Questions and Answers
Which period of life is distinct from both adolescence and young adulthood, lasting roughly from ages 18 to 25?
What societal changes have contributed to the concept of emerging adulthood?
During emerging adulthood, individuals reach adult body size but often exhibit immature behaviors due to:
What is one of the key characteristics of emotional development during emerging adulthood?
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During which life stage do emerging adults pursue longer and more widespread education, enter marriage and parenthood later, and have a longer transition to stable work?
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What distinguishes emerging adulthood from young adulthood in terms of reproductive success?
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What is a defining characteristic of cognitive development during emerging adulthood?
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Which aspect is a central feature of identity formation in emerging adulthood?
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What differentiates emerging adults' identity exploration from traditional markers of adulthood?
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What contributes to feelings of instability experienced by emerging adults?
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Which term characterizes the period of life between adolescence and adulthood according to Arnett?
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What best describes the volitional years in the context of emerging adulthood?
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Study Notes
Adolescence & Emerging Adulthood
Stages of Development
Emerging adulthood is a period of life that is distinct from adolescence and young adulthood, lasting roughly from ages 18 to 25. This stage was proposed by Jeffrey Arnett to capture the unique characteristics that distinguish this period from other life stages. The concept of emerging adulthood arises from societal changes that have occurred in the last half-century, including the technology revolution, the sexual revolution, the women's movement, and the youth movement. These changes have led to a delay in the arrival of full-fledged adulthood, with emerging adults pursuing longer and more widespread education, entering into marriage and parenthood later, and experiencing a longer transition to stable work.
Physical Changes
Emerging adulthood is a time when individuals are no longer teenagers but are not yet fully adults. During this period, physical maturation continues, with young adults reaching adult body size but often exhibiting immature behaviors. This stage includes the period when human growth is most prolonged, with an additional 4-6 years added to models of human maturation. However, the reproductive success of humans is lower during this period due to a high proportion of non-ovulatory cycles in adolescence and emerging adulthood.
Emotional Development
Emerging adulthood is marked by heightened emotional experiences and exploration of identity. During this stage, individuals are in a period of identity exploration, trying out different possibilities in love and work to develop a more definite identity and understanding of their capabilities, limitations, beliefs, and values. This exploration can lead to feelings of instability, as emerging adults often move from one residence to another and experience job instability.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development during emerging adulthood is characterized by the continued maturation of the brain, which supports the development of skills necessary for becoming self-sufficient. This stage is considered the volitional years, as it offers the most opportunity for identity exploration in the areas of love, work, and worldviews.
Identity Formation
Identity formation is a key aspect of emerging adulthood, as individuals explore various options in love, work, and worldviews to develop a more definite understanding of who they are. This exploration is not limited to traditional markers of adulthood, such as leaving home, getting married, and having children. Instead, emerging adults are pursuing a wide range of experiences to shape their identity and future paths.
As Arnett notes, being a young adult today is characterized by both excitement and uneasiness, wide-open possibilities, and confusion, new freedoms, and new fears. This unique stage of life is marked by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood, and a sense of broad possibilities for the future.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the distinct stage of emerging adulthood, encompassing physical, emotional, cognitive development, and identity formation. Explore the unique features of this transitional period from adolescence to full-fledged adulthood.
