Lesson 7: Emerging and Early Adulthood Flashcards
What is emerging adulthood?
Emerging adulthood is the period between late teens and early twenties, typically ages 18-25, marked by exploration and transition into adulthood.
How does Jeffrey Arnett describe emerging adulthood?
Arnett describes it as a distinct phase where individuals leave dependency but haven’t fully embraced adult responsibilities.
What are the five characteristics of emerging adulthood according to Arnett?
Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and the age of possibilities.
What is the age of instability in emerging adulthood?
A phase characterized by frequent changes in jobs, relationships, and living arrangements.
How does self-focus differ between adolescents and emerging adults?
Emerging adults are self-focused to explore life’s possibilities but remain considerate of others, unlike the more self-centered nature of adolescents.
How do European emerging adults differ from their American counterparts?
European emerging adults often have longer periods of leisure and financial support, with median marriage and parenthood ages near 30.
What distinguishes Asian emerging adulthood experiences?
Asian cultures emphasize family obligations, often prioritizing parents’ expectations over personal explorations.
Why is financial independence a key marker of adulthood in Western cultures?
It signifies the ability to support oneself without relying on parents.
How do collectivist cultures view adulthood markers differently?
They prioritize the ability to support parents financially over individual independence.
What global factors influence the experience of emerging adulthood?
Economic development, education access, and cultural norms.
At what age is physical maturity typically complete?
By the early twenties.
What physiological systems peak during early adulthood?
Muscle strength, reaction time, sensory abilities, and reproductive systems.
What changes begin around age 30?
Vision changes, sound sensitivity decreases, hair thinning, and slower recovery times.
How does obesity affect early adults?
It increases the risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues.
What are common causes of obesity?
Genetic predisposition, diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental factors.
What are the leading causes of death in early adulthood?
Unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide.
How does alcohol use affect early adults?
It increases risks of accidents, addiction, and health complications.
What is binge drinking?
Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, typically 4-5 drinks within two hours.
What are the consequences of college drinking?
Academic struggles, injuries, assaults, and alcohol-related deaths.
How does substance abuse differ between college and non-college young adults?
College students report higher binge drinking, while non-college peers show higher daily marijuana use.
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Sex refers to biological traits, while gender is a social construct related to cultural roles.
What is cisgender?
A person whose gender identity matches their biological sex assigned at birth.
What challenges do transgender individuals face?
Higher rates of discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Which brain areas are involved in sexual behavior?
The hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebral cortex.
What is the sexual response cycle?
A model describing physiological responses during sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
How do cultural norms influence gender roles?
They shape expectations for behaviors, occupations, and societal roles based on gender.
What is transgender?
A person whose gender identity differs from their biological sex assigned at birth.
What is sexual orientation?
A person’s emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex or gender.
What hormones influence sexual behavior?
Testosterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin.
How do cultural attitudes toward premarital sex differ?
It is more accepted in Western cultures than in many Asian cultures.
What is postformal thought?
An advanced type of thinking that integrates experience, practical considerations, and abstract reasoning.
What is dialectical thought?
The ability to consider and reconcile opposing viewpoints.
Why might formal operational thought not apply to all adults?
It depends on educational and life experiences.
How do adolescents’ and adults’ thinking differ?
Adults consider practical realities and are less influenced by external opinions.
How does education impact cognitive development?
It enhances abstract reasoning and critical thinking.
What percentage of U.S. adults have a high school diploma?
About 88%.
What are the benefits of a college education?
Higher earnings, lower unemployment, and enhanced social competencies.
What is the average student debt for U.S. graduates?
Nearly $29,000.
What are Millennials seeking in their careers?
Purpose and engagement beyond financial compensation.
What are NEETs?
Young people not in employment, education, or training.
What is temperament?
Innate characteristics like mood and activity level observable from infancy.
How stable is temperament into adulthood?
It remains relatively stable but can be influenced by environmental factors.
What is the Five Factor Model of Personality?
A model describing five traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
What are the four adult attachment styles?
Secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant.
How does culture influence gender identity development?
Cultural norms shape expectations and personal perceptions of gender roles.
What is Erikson’s stage for early adulthood?
Intimacy vs. Isolation.
How do adult friendships differ from adolescent friendships?
They focus more on shared values and mutual support.
What is the role of cohabitation in relationships?
It provides an opportunity to test compatibility before marriage.
How do romantic relationships influence identity?
They contribute to self-concept and emotional growth.
What factors predict long-term relationship success?
Communication, shared goals, and emotional support.
What factors contribute to financial stress in early adulthood?
Student debt, housing costs, and unstable employment.
How do work-life balance challenges manifest?
Through difficulty managing career demands with personal relationships.
What is burnout?
Chronic stress and fatigue resulting from prolonged work pressure.
How does societal pressure impact early adults?
It can create unrealistic expectations for career and family milestones.
How do mental health challenges commonly emerge?
Stress and transitions can trigger anxiety and depression.
How have living arrangements changed for young adults?
More young adults live with their parents due to economic factors.
What impact does globalization have on emerging adulthood?
It introduces diverse career opportunities and cultural influences.
How does technology affect early adults’ lives?
It shapes communication, education, and workplace interactions.
What is the effect of social media on identity development?
It provides both opportunities for self-expression and risks of comparison.
How does early adulthood set the foundation for lifelong development?
It establishes career paths, relationships, and personal values.
