19 - Emerging Adulthood Psychosocial Development

Ages 18 - 25

Continuity and Change

IdentityStill seeking who they are

EriksonIntimacy vs. Isolation

◦6th. Stage

IdentityEthnic identityVocational identity

Intimacy

IntimacyIntimacy and friendships defend

against stressIntimacy progresses from

attraction – close connection – commitment

Several paths to intimacy, not just marriage and parenthood

Gender influence on intimacyMen = Share activities and

interests◦Not failures and emotional problems

Women = Share secrets, weaknesses & problems◦Expect sympathy

Romantic partnersArranged marriages

◦“What does love have to do with it?”Adolescents ask for parent’s

permissionLive together & marry when they

are able◦Western cultures

The dimensions of love - Sternberg’s triangular concept of lovePassion

◦Sex & intense emotionsIntimacy

◦Knowing someone well◦Sharing secrets

Commitment◦Grows gradually

Decisions to be together Mutual care Kept secrets Forgiveness

Relationship Patterns

Hookups without commitmentSexual encounter without

intimacy nor commitmentLess likely if a serious

relationship is desired◦Prefer to get to know them first

CohabitationMost young adults (in U.S., England,

& Europe) cohabit rather than marry before age 25

Half plan to marryMore likely to fight & end the

relationship than marriedsCohabitation does not prevent

marriage problemsCohabitation = increased chance of

later divorce

What makes relationships succeed?

Changes in marriage patternsMost adults 20-30 are not

marriedFewer adults are married and

more are divorcedDivorce rate = half of marriage

rateMultiple divorces & remarriages

skew the statisticsIn the U.S. only one first marriage

in three – not one in two – ends in divorce

Factors leading to improvement in relationshipsGood communicationFinancial securityEnd of addiction or illness

ChildrenChildren are an added stress

◦Particularly during adolescence

Similarities and differencesHomogamy

◦Like marries like◦Similar: Age, Race, Ethnicity, SES,

Religion, Education, AttitudesSocial homogamy

◦Similar leisure interests & role preferences

◦E.g. Reading a book at home, vs. wanting to go out and party

Heterogamy◦Dissimilar attributes

Conflict

Learning to listenDemand withdraw interaction

◦Women – Want to talk (demanding)◦Men – Don’t want to talk (withdraw)

Intimate partner violenceEmerging adults experience more

violence than over 25 years oldAlcohol and drugs increase

severity of violence

Types of intimate partner violenceSituational couple violence

◦Based more on the situation than personality

◦E.g. No money, job stressIntimate terrorism

◦Physical, sexual, psychological abuse◦Victim too scared to fight back, seek

help, or withdraw◦Get out of the house to a safe place

Emerging adults and their parentsLinked lives

◦Each family member linked to others Dependent on others for success, health and

well-being

◦Many 18 – 25 year olds still live at home Parents encourage young adults to become

independent Many family relationships improve when

young adults leave home

Financial support◦Parents helping adult children◦Tuition, medical care, food, etc.