Emerging Adulthood Overview

A life stage from late teens to late 20s, characterized by exploration, instability, and flexibility in roles, choices, and relationships.

The median age at first marriage for both men and women has increased steadily since 1960.

Men: 29.6; Women: 27.4 years old.

Physical and cognitive abilities are at their prime in early adulthood (20's).

Early adulthood is marked by the peak of memory, new skills, senses, muscle power, reaction speed, and heart health.

Establishing a sense of trust with caregivers and the environment during infancy (birth to 1 year).

Developing independence and self-control during toddlerhood (1-3 years).

Learning to initiate actions and explore during preschool years (3-6).

Ages corresponding to challenges of psychosocial development.

Developing work ethic and productivity by working hard during elementary school (6-12).

Average lifespan for men is 76 years and for women is 81 years.

Intelligence for abstract thought, problem-solving, and flexible thinking.

Intelligence related to applying knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

Fluid intelligence typically decreases in middle and late adulthood.

Crystallized intelligence often peaks in middle age and remains strong in later life.

A general decrease in sensory and motor function, such as vision, reaction time, and muscle mass..

Adolescents struggle to find a sense of self and purpose, or they feel lost and uncertain about their place in the world.

Young adults seek close, meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. If they fail, they may experience loneliness or a lack of connection.

Middle-aged adults find meaning and fulfillment through contributing to society, raising children, or creating something lasting. If they don't, they may feel stagnant or unfulfilled.

Older adults reflect on their lives with either a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment (integrity) or regret and disappointment (despair).

A five-stage model describing how people cope with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

The initial stage where a person refuses to believe or acknowledge their impending death.

The second stage where the person expresses rage, frustration, and resentment over their situation.

The person attempts to make deals with higher powers or loved ones in hopes of delaying or avoiding death.

Parents and caregivers should dedicate quality time to their children to build bonds and provide support.

Children learn by observing and imitating adults. Parents should demonstrate the behaviors they want their children to adopt.

Children need clear guidelines and boundaries to understand expectations and consequences.

Parents should be consistent in their responses to behavior, both positive and negative, to avoid confusion and promote understanding.

Children thrive in a loving and supportive environment free from stress and negativity.

Identity is not fully established until the mid-to-late 20s, during emerging adulthood.

Marriage is often delayed until the late 20s or even the 30s, after education and career goals are established.

The average age people get married for the first time.

Early adulthood is marked by peak performance in areas like sensory acuity, muscle strength, reaction time, and cardiovascular health.

Early adulthood signifies peak cognitive abilities, including memory, learning new skills, and information processing.

Marriage is often delayed until the late 20s or early 30s, after education and career goals are established.

Emerging adulthood is characterized by exploration, instability, and flexibility in roles, choices, and relationships.

An adolescent's exaggerated belief that others are constantly observing and judging them. They feel like they're on stage, with everyone's eyes on them.

An adolescent's belief that they are unique and invulnerable, immune to the rules and dangers that apply to others. They may think they are special and that things won't happen to them.

The stage of life from roughly 20 to 40 years old, marked by peak physical and cognitive abilities, establishing careers, forming intimate relationships, and starting families.

The stage of life from roughly 40 to 65 years old, marked by continued career progression, potentially raising children, and experiencing various personal and societal changes.

Emerging adulthood is a period of exploration, instability, and flexibility. It means trying out different careers, moving around, having flexible living situations, and forming close relationships. It is a time of self-discovery and trying to figure out who you are and what you want to be.

Early adulthood is characterized by peak physical and cognitive abilities. People are at their strongest, most agile, and have the best memory and learning capacity. This is also a time for establishing a career, forming close relationships, and possibly starting a family.

Middle adulthood is a time of continued career progression, potentially raising children, managing various responsibilities, and facing various personal and societal changes. It is also a time for reflection on your life and considering your legacy.

The imaginary audience is the exaggerated belief that others are constantly observing and judging you, while the personal fable is the belief that you are unique and invulnerable. Both are forms of adolescent egocentrism, but the imaginary audience focuses on external attention, while the personal fable focuses on internal uniqueness.