Developmental Stage, Age Parameters
The Early adulthood or young adulthood development stage ranges from 18-29 years old. This stage typically represents the idea of the age where you move into adult roles. Young adulthood is a time often perceived as the prime stage of life when one is free from both the chains of adolescence and the stigmas that come with more advanced age. As individuals emerge from adolescence, their dependence on family lessens as they begin to establish autonomy, careers, and intimate relationships throughout the ensuing two decades of life. This development tasks young adults to mature by taking on responsibilities. There is identity status change toward maturity across the emerging adulthood stage and high stability within individual patterns. By this time, it is common and expected for young adults to have a clear understanding of their own identity, beliefs, and thoughts, as well as dislikes and likes.
Key Components of Physical Development
Key components of physical development in young adulthood. At this point in life, physical abilities are at their peak. The physical peak is considered to be in the early to mid-twenties. Some of these include good reaction time, sensory abilities as well as cardiac functioning. Other key components include muscle growth, strengthened bones, and changes in shape of the overall body. The aging process also started in this developmental stage. Aging is characterized by changes in one’s vision, skin, and reproductive capabilities.
Key Components of Cognitive Development
As briefly touched on in the Early Adulthood & Age Parameters, the key components of cognitive development include responsibilities and expectations such as learning how to work, trade, or even pursue a higher education. It is also expected to be able to fully understand abstract concepts, be aware of consequences and personal limitations, as well as individual goals. By this time in this developmental stage, young adults are said to have an idea and thoughts on their own philosophies, and emotional stability. Other traditional milestones most young adults experience include completing school, leaving home, getting a job, getting married, and starting a family.
Key Components on Socioemotional Development
Socio-emotional Development refers to the relation an individual establishes with respect to the environment, and as such it may have positive and negative impacts, social and emotional aspects. Positive or normal socio-emotional adjustment includes effective functioning in social contexts, social initiative, popularity as well as other positive behaviors. During the young adulthood stage, social-emotional development intertwines with that of identity, morals, and career in dynamic ways that portend one’s future attitudes and lifestyle. Abnormal developments in this realm would include denoting aggressive, depressed, anxious, and fearful behaviors. These can even include psychosomatic complaints which include feeding or eating disorders.
Important Factors that Can Impact the Development in this Stage
- Friendships
- Romance
- Career
- Children/Family
- Violent/Tragic events
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Mental Health
Multiple factors can impact the course of life of an emerging adult. As a young adult, one must rely on his or her own resources due to them being in a less structured environment now. Those who lack these resources may have trouble when it comes to relationships and physical and mental health. For example, those of ages 17-19 are starting to engage in romantic relationships where not far after that are planning to leave home or starting to pursue a higher education. Overall, the interaction between a young adult and their surroundings as well as support they receive are crucial currently in their lives.
Two Relevant Theories to this Stage of Development
The two theories that are relevant in this stage of development are the following:
Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory:
This theory believes in the idea that the main goal of early adulthood is to establish relationships and not feel isolated from other individuals. For example, a young adult may be skeptical of getting too close to someone in fear that they may lose a sense of self or define themselves in the terms of another individual. Several young adults find intimate relationships through friendships rather than through romantic relationships.
Kohlberg’s Moral Understanding Theory:
This theory believes in the formation of our own thinking about moral problems. Kohlberg further states that experiences themselves do not promote new ways of thinking and that it is in our reflections or discussions that help us find our views. Young adults who experience trauma at an early age may find closure or relief when talking to someone who is either a therapist or counselor. Many believe that talking through our emotions or traumas is helpful in processing and moving forward.