Adulthood: The Social World - Chapter 13 - PDF

chapter thirteen Adulthood: The Social World 1 Overview: Chapter 13 Adulthood (Social World) Personality Development during Adulthood – Erikson (a little bit) – Maslow – Trait Theory Erikson’s next two stages 6. Intimacy v Isolation (rel...

chapter thirteen Adulthood: The Social World 1 Overview: Chapter 13 Adulthood (Social World) Personality Development during Adulthood – Erikson (a little bit) – Maslow – Trait Theory Erikson’s next two stages 6. Intimacy v Isolation (relationships) 7. Generativity v Stagnation (productivity) 2 Personality Development in Adulthood Personality is an individual’s unique and consistent ways of thinking, feeling and behaving which gradually develops over lifespan. Three Perspectives: Erikson's Stage Theory Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Traits Theory 3 1  Personality Development: Erikson Theory of Psychosocial Intimacy vs Isolation Development – May avoid close How people resolve the relationships mini-crises in part Trust vs Mistrust determines their – Hard trusting other personality people Initiative vs Guilt For example: – Have a hard time being assertive 4 Personality Development: Maslow’s Hierarchy Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Personality is motived by the urge to fulfil needs. Needs are listed from basic to most complex 5 Personality Development: Trait Perspective Trait theorists view personality as being a unique combination of traits Trait Trait theories 6 2  Personality Traits: The Big Five Openness Conscientiousness Extroversion Agreeableness Neuroticism 7 Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development The final stages! 6. Intimacy versus Isolation 7. Generativity versus Stagnation 8. Ego versus Ego Despair 8 Erikson’s Stage 6: Intimacy vs Isolation Intimacy refers to connecting with others. Erikson originally theorized this stage spanned 18-40. Revolves around developing and maintaining close relationships – Including: relatives, friends, coworkers, and romantic partners Intimacy needs are lifelong – They don’t end after adulthood; they continue through late adulthood. 9 3  Intimacy needs: Romantic Partners In adulthood its common for romantic relationships to lead to marriage Some advantages of marriage: Satisfy intimacy needs Help raising children Share resources Provide care when needed Statistically married people are happier, healthier, and wealthier 10 Romantic Partners and “Love” It’s hard to talk about marriage without bringing up love. Triangular Theory of Love (Sternberg) Passion Intimacy Commitment 11 Alternatives to Marriage Cohabitation Living apart together Varies in plans and Involves a steady prospects romantic partner Is the preference for Have separate many people residences and Is common in emerging activities adulthood, increasingly Are sexually faithful so in adulthood Favored by older adults 12 4  Intimacy: Other types of important relationships Friendships Made up of people who are Friends can encourage part of a social convoy one another to: People who age together Eat better Higher degree of linked-life Stop smoking Provide mutual support More important over time Exercise 13 Intimacy: Other types of important relationships Family People linked genetically or by marriage Major impact on other areas of life (linked-lives) Examples: College Divorce Losing a job or getting a raise 14 Specific types of Family Bonds Parents and their adult Siblings aged children (25+) Adult siblings tend to be a The relationship tends to strong source of support. deteriorate if they live children together. marriage elderly relatives How do children affect parental happiness? 15 5  Other types of Family Fictive kin “She’s like an mother to me” Provide similar types of support as regular family member, but is NOT linked genetically or by marriage. Linked-life 16 Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development The final stages! 6. Intimacy versus Isolation 7. Generativity versus Stagnation 8. Ego versus Ego Despair 17 Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Generativity versus Stagnation Erikson’s 7th stage of development Traditionally spans 40-65* Mini-crisis revolves around feelings of productivity – Feeling like you’re accomplishing something Sometimes referred to as the “mid-life crisis” Urges can be fulfilled by parenthood, caregiving, or employment 18 6  Parenthood Erikson felt that raising children was a natural source of generativity needs during adulthood. Raising a child is perhaps the most stressful family life experience. Adjustments have to be made: – Intimacy needs maybe postponed – Finances change 19 Caregiving According to Erikson generativity refers to a “need to be needed” which can be fulfilled in other caring capacities such as… Caring for child Spouse Parent Someone else 20 Employment Other major source for generativity can be your job! Particularly when that work involves… – Helping others – Contributing to the community – Aiding or advising coworkers Unemployment is associated with stagnation. – higher rates of child abuse, alcoholism, depression, and many other social problems. 21 7