Chapter 10: Constructing an Adult Life

Emerging into Adulthood O Emerging adulthood – defined by testing out different possibilities and developing self O Not a universal life stage; only exists for a minority of young people O Begins after high school and tapers off by late twenties O.

Emerging Adulthood: challenges and changes This stage of life is typically considered the most challenging and change-inducing stage of life based on: O The need to re-center life roles – focusing on responsibility, supporting self, and making independent decisions about life O The change to an unstructured path (e.g., college, independent living, work world, as opposed to the previously highly structured environment of adolescence)

United States: Independence vs. Dependence O There are similarities with U.S. young people as in Scandinavian countries and southern European scenes. Cohabitation Children before marriage Leaving home after high school (age 18) O In the United States, one exception to these similarities occurs–there is less focus on helping young people emerge into the world of work. O This exception causes a less smooth, predicable transition to adulthood. O Income inequalities and diversity of cultures have affected the financial independence of this group.

Beginning and End Points O Entry point – nest leaving O Does leaving home produce better parent−child relationships? O Research says yes. Relationship improves due to adult-to-adult conversations, etc. O Does leaving home make people more adult? O Research says yes. However, the expected independence does not necessarily develop. Tends to be a Western society tradition. May be impacted by economic issues and culture.

Constructing an Identity – Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage  Identity versus Role Confusion James Marcia − Identity Statuses Diffusion young people drifting aimlessly toward adulthood without goals. This compares to Erikson’s role confusion. Foreclosure young people who adopt an identity without any self- exploration or thought. Moratorium young people who engage in exciting, healthy search for adulthood. This is often an internal process that can be anxiety- provoking due to the exploration of different philosophies and ideas. Achievement the end result where identity formation is complete.

Other tasks O Find a career- One key to predicting a successful transition to a career is the teen’s interest in work (being productive) vs. those only interested in playing (avoiding work). O Personality Growth- Conscientiousness – a term developmentalists used to describe the maturing of the frontal lobe, which helps develop self-control O Developing interests/flows- feeling of being totally absorbed in an activity. O Going to College or not going to College- different statistical outcomes

Erikson's Psychosocial Stage Intimacy vs. Isolation Intimacy – the search for a soul mate or enduring love; finding love How? Mate Selection Theory Attachment Styles (Secure, Insecure) Values & Expectations (next chapter)

Murstein’s Structured Three-Phase Mate Selection Theory O Stimulus-Value-Role Theory 1) Stimulus Phase O We approach people who visually appear to fit us: “I think this person looks like we might mesh.” 2) Value Comparison Phase O Then as we date, we try to figure out whether we match up according to values. 3) Role Phase O Now we have decided that this is the one, and discuss our plans for our shared life. O Matches are made based on Homogany (similarity). O Choices are often based on “ideal-self”–the person we want to be. O Relationships with family can also have an impact on mate choices.

The Impact of Personality: Adult Attachment Styles Based on Ainsworth’s infant attachment styles, Hazan and Shaver (1987) examined adult attachment styles. O Preoccupied/ambivalent (insecure) O Clingy; needy; over-engulfing O Avoidant/dismissive (insecure) O Withholding; aloof; distant O Securely attached O Joyfully able to reach out in love O Responsive to a mate’s signals O More likely to have happy marriages or be involved in enduring relationships