This chapter discusses physical, cognitive, and social development in early adulthood. It covers the transition to adulthood and criteria like independence. Physical peak is between ages 19-26 with decline after 30. Obesity rates have risen significantly and are influenced by both nature and nurture. Friendships and romantic relationships form an important part of social development in early adulthood. Career decisions also become a major focus as adults establish their professional paths.

1. Chapter 13 Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood

2. The Criteria for Becoming an Adult Permanent, full-time job. Economic independence Over 70% of college students said being an adult means: accepting responsibility for own actions knowing beliefs and values relationship with parents as an equal adult.

3. The Peak and Slowdown in Physical Performance Physical peak/healthiest between ages 19-26 Chronic health problems are rare Possibility of pushing bodies too far Muscle tone and strength usually begin to show signs of decline around the age of 30.

4. Aging Primary aging: Inevitable maturation/age related changes Ex) graying or thinning of hair Secondary aging: Accelerated aging due poor health choices Ex) deterioration of senses due to smoking

5. Pervasiveness and Costs of Obesity Prevalence rose 8% in the 1990s 1/3 of Americans have increased health risks Associated with increased risk of: hypertension diabetes cardiovascular disease Increases with age, especially among women

6. Obesity: Nature vs. Nurture Nature Heredity: Estimates range from 25- 70%. Twin Studies: MZ twins similar regardless of environment Set Point: weight maintained without effort to gain or loose Basal Metabolism Rate (BMR): Resting metabolic rate Nurture greater availability of food (particularly food high in fat) energy saving devices declining physical activity More prevalent in low income individuals

7. The Diet Scene Many divergent interests are involved in the topic of dieting: the public – the media health professionals – the diet industry policy makers – the food industry Societal norms  lean aesthetic body Diet related products: $30 million annual sales

8. Restrained Eating Chronic restriction of food intake to control weight Characteristics: They are often on diets Very conscious of what they eat Tend to feel guilty after splurging on sweets. When they stop dieting, they tend to binge When stressed or not thinking about what they eat, they also binge

9. The Transition from High School to College Larger, more impersonal school structure Peers are more diverse Increased focus on achievement and assessment More freedom (subject choice) More peer interaction Opportunity for exploration

10. Today’s College Kids More stress More depression Pressure: succeed, get good job, make money Dramatic increase in community college attendance More “returning students” than ever before

11. Patterns of Thought Quantitatively advance in thinking (Piaget) more knowledge than adolescents, usually in specific area Adolescents hypothesize about intellectual problems But, adults are more systematic and sophisticated Other Theorists: Shift from acquiring to applying knowledge Shift from polarities: right/wrong, good/bad, we/they. Absolute, dualistic thinking gives way to reflective, relativistic thinking of adulthood

12. Developmental Changes Career decision making Children: idealistic fantasies High school: somewhat less idealistic basis. Late teens, early twenties: more serious. Mid twenties and early adulthood: establish their emerging career.

13. Intimacy Versus Isolation Erikson believes: Establishment of a successful and stable identity should proceed Erikson describes intimacy as finding oneself yet losing oneself in another person Development of meaningful intimate relationships: friends, significant others, family If intimacy is not developed in early adulthood, isolation may be the result

14. Functions of Friendships Companionship Intimacy Affection Support Source of Self-Esteem Buffer from Stress Source of Emotional Support

15. Female, Male, and Female-Male Friendship Women More close friends Friendships are more intimate Female friends tend to spend time talking. Men Friendships are more competitive. Activity based Talk is more distant, less intimate

16. Attraction: Familiarity and Similarity We like to associate with people similar to us We tend to have similar: attitudes – behavior clothes – characteristics intelligence – personality values – lifestyles This phenomenon can be explained by consensual validation.

17. Attraction: Consensual Validation Explains attraction due to similarity Match of attitudes and behaviors is reinforcing Similarity implies that we will enjoy doing the same things with the other person.

18. Physical Attraction: Gender Differences Women tend to rate: considerateness, honesty, dependability, kindness, and understanding as most important. Men tend to prefer: good looks, cooking skills, and frugality. Matching Hypothesis: Similarity In abstract, prefer a more attractive person, but in the real world we end up choosing someone similar to us

19. The Triangular Theory of Love Robert J. Sternberg Consummate love: the strongest, fullest type of love Love includes passion, intimacy & commitment Couples must experience all three to have consummate love.

20. Secure Attachment and Romantic Relationships 50-60% are securely attached as children Past experiences affect them as adults Attachment shifts to romantic partners Secure base: obtain comfort and security in stressful times Link between quality of relationship as child and adult

21. Marital Trends Remain single longer Average duration of marriage 9 years (US) Most still get married Divorce rate is high, but has slowed down

22. Marital Expectations Divorce rate is due to high expectations Unhappily married, usually express unrealistic expectations Romanticized ideals of marriage often lead to disappointment Often due to numerous myths about marriage

23. Myths about Marriage Avoiding conflict will ruin your marriage. Affairs are the main cause of divorce. Men are not biologically made for marriage Men and women are from different planets.

24. The Benefits of a Good Marriage Unhappy marriages: increase risk of illness by 1/3 Shorten life by an average of 4 years Happy marriages: feel less physically and emotionally stressed. prevent numerous physical and psychological ailments.

25. Parental Roles Parenting requires: interpersonal skills and emotional demands but, no real formal education for this task Most parents learn from their own parents This passing down of parenting skills can result in positive and negative

26. Trends in Child Rearing Parents are having fewer children Postponement of child bearing Less maternal investment in child development Men are investing more time in fathering Parental care is supplemented by institutional care

27. Personality Types John Holland: Important to select a career that matches up well with their personality type Enjoyment in job leads to longevity Rarely pure types, most are a combination of two or three When choosing, also match values Identify values and refine their career choice

28. Holland’s Six Types Realistic Investigative Artistic Social Enterprising Conventional

29. Monitoring the Occupational Handbook Revised every 2 years Contains info such as: Top four occupations with fastest projected growth Growth rate based on various levels of education Industries with the most new jobs

30. The Skills Employers Want Oral and written communication skills Interpersonal skills Analytical skills Computer skills Leadership skills and experience Involvement in campus organizations and extracurricular activities Relevant experiences in internships, part-time work, or co-ops Good grades

31. Finding the Right Career Have several careers in mind Develop general skills that valuable in a variety of jobs See a career counselor Engage in personal networking Scope out Internet networks and resources.

32. Work Work defines individuals Most spend 1/3 of adult lives at work Involuntary joblessness often causes emotional distress and low self-esteem Some aspects of work create stress