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11.1
Becoming an Adult
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Arnett’s theory of emerging adulthood proposes that the time period from ages 18–25 is a time of identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and being in an age of possibilities. People in this age group are taking on roles and responsibilities of adult life, but gradually, and may not have long-term commitments to careers or relationships.
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Marcia’s theory of identity development proposes there are four statuses to crystalizing one’s identity, depending on a person’s degree of exploration and commitment: identity diffusion (little exploration, no commitment), foreclosure (commitment without exploration), identity moratorium (exploration, but no commitment), and identity achievement (exploration with commitment).
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While emerging adulthood occurs in a variety of contexts and cultures, there may be differences in the way this transition is experienced. Factors such as SES and the degree to which exploration is encouraged or discouraged can influence whether and how individuals explore educational and career options and commit to jobs and relationships
11.2
Physical Health and Growth in Early Adulthood
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By the time most of us reach emerging adulthood, we’ve completed puberty, and our bodies can be considered to be fully mature.
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Various body organs, such as the muscles, endocrine system, and bone mature or reach their peak during emerging adulthood. Some declines in some of these systems start in our mid-20s, although others will remain steady until middle age.
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Problematic substance use, obesity, stress, mental health concerns, and sleep influence health during this time and may influence health later in life. Establishing good habits now is important.
11.3
Sexuality in Early Adulthood
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Sexuality is a broad concept that involves thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It also includes our sense of our own gender, what aspects of gender we choose to express, and who if anyone we’re attracted to.
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Sexual orientation and gender identity aren’t identical concepts. Knowing a person’s sexual orientation doesn’t tell us anything about their gender identity.
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STIs and pregnancy are possible outcomes of sexual activity and can have significant effects on a person’s life.
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Sexual assault and sexual harassment are unwanted elements of sexual behavior that can create distress.
11.4
Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood
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Our cognitive abilities continue to develop during adulthood in ways that allow us to solve more complex problems. Cognitive skills such as crystalized intelligence, heuristics, post-formal thought, and reflective thought allow us to use information gained from past experience, sometimes to simplify information to process it more quickly (heuristics) or to combine it with logical thought (post-formal thought) or evidence (reflective thought). Dialectical thinking occurs when we combine two opposing points of view. Divergent thought enables us to create new solutions to an issue.
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Our ability to understand and empathize with others improves during emerging adulthood. We also have more potential to perform prosocial behaviors and understand more complex moral dilemmas.
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Cultural differences such as collectivism and the definition of terms such as creativity may affect the expression of cognitive skills. Contextual variables such as a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may affect the degree to which a person experiences empathy and theory of mind.
11.5
Contexts: Higher Education and Work Achievement in Early Adulthood
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Deciding on a career path involves many factors, including cultural, economic, and educational resources.
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A college education can increase earning power, but getting this education is expensive and time-consuming. Other post-high school educational options, such as apprenticeships and technical college, need to be made more accessible as viable alternatives to a 4-year degree.
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Today’s workers are likely to seek jobs that are personally meaningful, allow for work-life balance, and facilitate physical and mental well-being. However, life circumstances and societal factors may affect job choices.