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12: Social and Emotional Development in Early Adulthood (Ages 18 to 29)
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12.0: What Does Psychology Say?
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The text describes a moment in the life of Isaac, a college graduate, who is filled with mixed emotions during his graduation ceremony. As the first in his family to graduate, he faces both pride and the anxiety of moving to the city for a job. Supported by family and friends, Isaac is determined and optimistic about his future. The chapter will explore how new graduates develop their sense of self, choose career paths, and navigate relationships and romance in new adult roles and contexts.
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12.1: The Development of Self in Early Adulthood
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This page provides an overview of developmental tasks in emerging and early adulthood, emphasizing the evolving sense of self and personality during this stage. Key themes include cultural influences on self-development, the concept of a social clock, and differences in developmental priorities across cultures. It also discusses how personality traits may shift slightly in response to life events.
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12.2: Identity Development in Context in Early Adulthood
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The page covers identity development in early adulthood through Marcia???s framework, intersectionality, and the growth of ethnoracial, gender and sexual, and religious identities. It highlights Logan Eggleston's journey to embracing her identity as a Black female student athlete, emphasizing the transitions in early adulthood impacting identity. The discussion extends to intersectionality, identity in different domains, and identity reconciliation amid new roles and contexts.
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12.3: Relationships with Friends and Family in Early Adulthood
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This page discusses the role of social contexts in early adulthood, focusing on friendships and family relations. It explores how these relationships are crucial for personal development and achieving independence. Self-determination theory highlights the importance of balancing autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The narrative of emerging adulthood today involves deferring traditional milestones in favor of personal goals.
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12.4: Contexts- School and Work Settings in Early Adulthood
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Young adults face varied education and work decisions post-high school, influenced by personal, familial, and societal contexts. College remains a common pathway, although many pursue vocational training, military service, or immediate employment. Factors like race, gender, and geography further shape these trajectories. Career exploration and work-life balance are crucial during early adulthood, with many seeking transferable skills and the right developmental opportunities.
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12.5: Finding Love, Intimacy, and Romance in Early Adulthood
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This page explores the development of romantic relationships in early adulthood, focusing on identity and intimacy as critical factors. It examines Erikson???s theory of intimacy versus isolation and discusses how young adults navigate relationships, with emphasis on secure attachment and common challenges faced.
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12.6: Key Terms
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12.7: Summary
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12.8: Review Questions
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12.9: Check Your Understanding Questions
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12.10: Personal Application Questions
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12.11: Essay Questions
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