Adolescence to Adulthood

• Inborn temperament traits often are described in opposites– Optimistic or pessimistic– Independent or

dependent– Emotional or

unemotional– Adventurous or cautious– Leader or follower– Aggressive or passive

– Which are you?

Other characteristics appear to be learned, such as feeling either competent or inferior – these are based on the challenges and support we receive growing up.

Influences External world – depression, wars, natural disasters (flood, tornado, fire, drought)Physical world – genetic gifts – appearance, intelligence, natural abilitiesCultural influences – family roles, societal roles (ex. Southern “yes sir, ma’am), religious upbringing and norms

Erikson’s Stages of Development

• Stage 5 – Adolescence – 12 to 18 years– Establish emotional and psychological independence– Develop a personal sense of identity– Adopt a personal value system– Establish adult vocational goals– Develop control over your behavior

• Success leads to an ability to stay true to yourself – failure leads to role confusion and a weak sense of self

• Stage 6 – Young Adulthood – 19 to 40 years– Intimacy vs. isolation– Young adults need to form intimate, loving relationships

with others… success leads to strong relationships, failure results in loneliness and isolation.

• Stage 7 – Middle Adulthood – 40 to 65 years– Generativity vs. Stagnation– Adults needs to create or nurture things that will outlast

them… success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, failure results in shallow involvement in the world

• Stage 8 – Late Adulthood – 65 to death– Ego Integrity vs. Despair– Older adults need to look back on life and feel a sense of

fulfillment… success leads to feelings of wisdom, failure results in regret, bitterness and despair.

Marriage and Parenting

• In the US – 9 out of 10 people expect to marry in their lifetime. Close to half of first marriages end in divorce, but most individuals who marry begin with the intent of making a lifetime commitment.

• My advice to you is get married: if you find a good wife you'll be happy; if not, you'll become a philosopher. Socrates

Successful Marriages

• Good communication• Emotional Maturity• Similar values and interests• Resolving conflicts

– Spending and saving habits– Conflicting loyalties involving family and friends– Lack of communication– Lack of intimacy– Jealousy, infidelity, or lack of attention– Decisions about having children & child care– Abusive tendencies or attitudes

Teen Marriages• 60% of marriages involving teens end in divorce with a high

probability that the marriage will end in its first few years• Why?– Newness wears off and responsibilities seem too difficult– Realization that the couple does not have enough life

experiences to manage a household and make love last in tough times

– Increased responsibilities interfere with personal freedoms and educational or career goals

Teen Parenting

• Cost of raising a child– Physical /Financial– Mental – Emotional– Social