Lesson 6: Adult Development Theories

Question 1

what are all the theories

mini summary

Answer 1

• dimensions of development (psych, social, bio, environmental)
• ego development (stage 1,2,3)
• family life cycle (task 1,2,3)
• psychological distress (4 factors)
• seasons of life (season 1,2,3)

Question 2

dimensions of development definition

Answer 2

becoming an adult requires 4 internal and external clocks (dimensions)

Question 3

dimensions of development stages

Answer 3

1. psychological (i): adult when maturity/brain develops
2. biological (i): adult when appearance/body develops
3. social (e): adult when societal expectations complete
4. environmental (e): adult when legal/political/economic environment is supportive

Question 4

ego development definition

Answer 4

becoming an adult requires forming identity/ego in 3 stages

Question 5

ego development stages

Answer 5

1. conformist (adolescent): experiment, conform, seek approval, accept stereotypes, fear disapproval
2. self-aware (young adult): develop own identity, question others, less judgemental
3. conscientous (adult): evaluate self, guilt of hurting others/not meeting own expectations, empathy

Question 6

family life cycle definition

Answer 6

becoming an adult requires separating from family of orientation to be independent which requires 3 tasks

Question 7

family life cycle tasks

Answer 7

1. separate from family: individuation (form sep. identity), leave home, friendship w/ parents
2. commit to career: financial stability
3. develop relationships: peers/partner for social and emotional needs

Question 8

psychological distress definition

Answer 8

becoming an adult requires…
- knowing how to repond to stress
- response depends on 4 factors

Question 9

psychological distress factors

Answer 9

1. personal characteristics: gender, race, education, age, personality, family background
2. coping skills: skills to deal w/ stress
3. social support: friends, family, resources
4. type/timing of stress: level of stress, expected/unexpected

Question 10

seasons of life definition

Answer 10

becoming an adult requires creating a “dream” which is one’s adult life plan

Question 11

seasons of life seasons

Answer 11

1. create dream: makes plans to finish school, start work, date, explore interests
2. test dream: commit to job, commit to relationship, more emotional bond
3. re-evaluate dream: settle down, is dream satisfying?, switch careers, end relationship, have kids