Moving Toward Adulthood

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Moving Toward Adulthood
What does it mean to be an adult?
One term often used when defining adulthood is
maturity. Maturity has several components,
including both physical and emotional aspects.
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Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, youll learn to

• Evaluate positive effects of relationships with
  peers, family, and friends on physical and
  emotional health.
• Identify and explain the developmental tasks of
  adulthood.

3
Physical and Emotional Maturity
Physical Maturity

• In late adolescence or the early twenties, most
  people reach physical maturity.
• However, an adult physique doesnt mean that you
  are an adult.
• To be an adult, youll need to develop
  emotionally.

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Physical and Emotional Maturity
Emotional Maturity

• Characteristics of an emotionally mature person
• The ability to give and receive love.
• The ability to face reality and deal with it.
• The capacity to relate positively to life
  experiences and learn from them.

5
Considering the Entire Life Cycle
Eriksons Stages of Adulthood
Eriksons stages of life illustrate that as a
person progresses through life, his or her goals
continue to evolve.
Late adulthood 65 to death
Young adulthood 19 to 40 years
Middle adulthood 40 to 65 years
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Young Adulthood
Four Major Aspects of Life

1. Personal independence
2. Occupational choices
3. Intimate relationships
4. Contributions to society

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Young Adulthood
Developing Personal Independence

• The desire for independence during adolescence is
  a part of the quest for self-actualization, which
  includes developing ones capabilities to the
  fullest.
• When leaving home or beginning to work fulltime,
  young adults may substitute the emotional support
  of friends for the support they once received
  from parents.
• As they mature, however, they become more
  self-sufficient.

8
Young Adulthood
Making Occupational Choices

• As a teen you probably are giving some thought to
  what you want your life to be like when you are
  an adult.
• Part of that thought process may include your
  ideas about a career or occupation.
• Your ideas may be influenced by a part-time job,
  a role model, or the amount of education beyond
  high school required for a specific career.

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Young Adulthood
Establishing Intimate Relationships

• As individuals grow into adulthood, they begin to
  develop emotional intimacy with other
  individuals.
• Some people may have romantic relationships that
  result in marriage when they are ready for a
  permanent commitment.
• Individuals may decide to seek romantic
  relationships later or not at all.
• Practicing abstinence until marriage gives a
  person freedom from sexually transmitted diseases
  and maintains options for a healthy future.

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Young Adulthood
Contributing to Society

• Another task of young adulthood includes
  determining whereand how a person fits into
  society.
• You have probably already developed some of your
  ownpolitical ideas and religious views.
• Voting in elections and taking part in community
  projects are ways of contributing to society in a
  positive and effectivemanner.

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Quick Review
Choose the appropriate option.

1. Emotional intimacy
2. Physical maturity
3. Self-actualization
4. Emotional maturity

Q. ______ is the state at which the mental and
emotional capabilities of an individual are fully
developed.
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Quick Review - Answer
A. Emotional maturity is the state at which the
mental and emotional capabilities of an
individual are fully developed.
Click Next to attempt another question.
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Quick Review
Provide a short answer to the question given
below.
Q. When do most people reach physical maturity?
Click Next to view the answer.
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Quick Review - Answer
A. Most people reach physical maturity in late
adolescence or the early twenties.
Click Next to attempt another question.
15
Quick Review
Provide a short answer to the question given
below.
Q. What are the four developmental tasks of
adulthood?
Click Next to view the answer.
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Quick Review - Answer

• A. The four developmental tasks of adulthood are
• Developing personal independence.
• Making occupational choices.
• Establishing intimate relationships.
• Contributing to society.

Click Next to attempt another question.
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Quick Review
Analyze and explain.
What does Erikson say is the goal of young
adulthood? Whymight this goal be the most
challenging? Explain your reasoning.