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 parent’s permission Live together & marry when they are able Western cultures

The dimensions of love - Sternberg’s 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 – Don’t 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.