19 - Emerging Adulthood

Psychosocial Development
Ages 18 -
25
Continuity and Change
Identity
Still seeking who they are
Erikson
Intimacy vs. Isolation
6th. Stage
Identity
Ethnic identity
Vocational identity
Intimacy
Intimacy
Intimacy and friendships defend
against stress
Intimacy progresses from attraction
close connection commitment
Several paths to intimacy, not just
marriage and parenthood
Gender influence on intimacy
Men = Share activities and interests
Not failures and emotional problems
Women = Share secrets, weaknesses
& problems
Expect sympathy
Romantic partners
Arranged marriages
What does love have to do with it?
Adolescents ask for parents
permission
Live together & marry when they are
able
Western cultures
The dimensions of love -
Sternbergs triangular concept of
love
Passion
Sex & intense emotions
Intimacy
Knowing someone well
Sharing secrets
Commitment
Grows gradually
Decisions to be together
Mutual care
Kept secrets
Forgiveness
Relationship Patterns
Hookups without commitment
Sexual encounter without intimacy nor
commitment
Less likely if a serious relationship is
desired
Prefer to get to know them first
Cohabitation
Most young adults (in U.S., England, &
Europe) cohabit rather than marry before
age 25
Half plan to marry
More likely to fight & end the relationship
than marrieds
Cohabitation does not prevent marriage
problems
Cohabitation = increased chance of later
divorce
What makes relationships
succeed?
Changes in marriage patterns
Most adults 20-30 are not married
Fewer adults are married and more
are divorced
Divorce rate = half of marriage rate
Multiple divorces & remarriages skew
the statistics
In the U.S. only one first marriage in
three not one in two ends in
divorce
Factors leading to improvement
in relationships
Good communication
Financial security
End of addiction or illness
Children
Children are an added stress
Particularly during adolescence
Similarities and differences
Homogamy
Like marries like
Similar: Age, Race, Ethnicity, SES,
Religion, Education, Attitudes
Social 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 listen
Demand withdraw interaction
Women Want to talk (demanding)
Men Dont want to talk (withdraw)
Intimate partner violence
Emerging adults experience more
violence than over 25 years old
Alcohol and drugs increase severity of
violence
Types of intimate partner
violence
Situational couple violence
Based more on the situation than
personality
E.g. No money, job stress
Intimate 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
parents
Linked 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.