1. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Chapter 15
Problems of Adulthood
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Learning Objectives
List two developmental tasks of young adults.
Identify three characteristics of a successful adult.
Discuss three internal (developmental) problems faced by most adults.
Explain the importance of having a strong sense of personal identity.
Name four stresses associated with parenting or guiding the next generation.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Learning Objectives
Describe how environmental problems can limit an adult’s ability to function effectively.
Identify two effects of lack of social support for adults.
Explain how the fear of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is affecting young adults.
Name three therapeutic interventions to help the psychosocial functioning of adults with problems.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

4. Adult Growth and Development (p. 169)
Developmental tasks of young adulthood:
To establish oneself as fully functional and capable of living independently
To choose a career or vocation
To establish long-term goals
To commit oneself to personal relationships
List and identify the characteristics of a successful adult.
Physical growth is complete but adults continue to develop in emotional, intellectual, sociocultural, and spiritual dimensions.
What are some examples of your own growth in these dimensions?
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Adult Growth and Development cont’d. (p. 170)
The emotional development of young adults centers on learning to function within a stressful environment.
Intellectual development focuses on the young adult’s ability to solve intellectual and abstract problems.
Social development for young adults focuses on interactions and relationships with others.
Parenting requires a shift in energies from self to caring for others.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

6. Common Problems of Adulthood (p. 171)
Internal (developmental) problems
When adults feel they have made the right choices, they develop the inner strength to weather future storms.
Problems with personal identity include the following:
Problems with establishing a strong personal identity begin in childhood.
Overcoming a childhood filled with negative examples is a difficult task.  
Problems of personal identity also can relate to a person’s intellectual abilities.
How one solves problems
How one makes decisions
How one interprets stress
Why is it important to have a strong sense of personal identity?
Adults must cope with decisions about themselves, their relationships, education, occupation, marriage, and family.
It is through learning coping techniques that individuals live effectively.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 172)
Internal (developmental) problems
Interpersonal relationships
The need for intimacy and belonging is great throughout life, and adults usually form many relationships.
Problems with interpersonal relationships can extend to work and social environments.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

8. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 172)
Internal (developmental) problems
Guiding the next generation
The child-rearing practices of adults vary considerably.
Unplanned pregnancies are stressful and sometimes unwanted.
With remarriages (blended families) and adoptive families, children and adults who were once strangers instantly become relatives.
Adulthood is a time of commitment to others. Parenthood produces life responsibilities including nurturing.
Members of the “sandwich” generation face the responsibilities of caring for children and aging parents at the same time. Providing care for both adds stresses to the family as adults work to balance the requirements of career, children, and parents.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

9. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 173)
Internal (developmental) problems
Economics
One of the greatest stressors for adults of all ages is financial security.
Unemployment is accompanied by loss of self-esteem and self-worth.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 173)
External (environmental) problems
Education
Training or education is closely associated with economic status.
Lack of education limits abilities and fosters disabilities.
Poverty, homelessness, and lack of education go hand in hand.
Homeless people have special health care needs.
How can environmental problems limit an adult’s ability to function effectively?
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

11. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 174)
External (environmental) problems
Lack of social support
Social isolation
Lack of meaningful interaction with others
Social support is the friendship from others that helps carry individuals through life’s more difficult moments.
These interactions can make the difference between mental health and illness.
Be sure to assess clients’ social support systems.
Identify the effects of lack of social support for adults.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

12. Common Problems of Adulthood cont’d. (p. 174)
External (environmental) problems
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
People of this age are more vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Every health care provider has a responsibility to educate clients about AIDS.
AIDS has many physical consequences, but its psychosocial and emotional effects can be equally devastating.
How is the fear of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) affecting young adults
What emotional problems would a client with AIDS likely experience? How would these differ for an early adult as opposed to a middle adult?
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

13. Mental Health Problems of Adults (p. 175)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) presents 15 categories of mental disorders.
Therapeutic interventions
The focus of most therapeutic mental health interventions relates to prevention and assisting clients to cope.
Health care interventions
Nurses can use their assessment skills to uncover clients’ descriptions of their difficulties.
Preventing mental illness
Recognize the need for making mental health interventions available for all individuals.
Therapeutic interventions are the primary means to prevent or minimize mental health issues in the adult client.
Use assessment skills to uncover client’s description of their difficulties.
Make sure the client defines his/her problem.
Work within the client’s reality.
Learn about the client’s living conditions.
Give client written instructions to ensure greater success.
The health care provider needs to be aware of community programs.
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

14. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Question 1
Which of the following is one of the major developmental tasks of the young adult?
Choosing a career
Securing a nursing home for his or her parents
Establishing short-term goals
Establishing financial security
Correct Answer: 1
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

15. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Question 2
What term has been coined to describe an anxiety-related condition caused by fear of AIDS?
SCARE
AFRAIDS
DEATH
SAID
Correct Answer: 2
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

16. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Question 3
Major environmental problems that affect adults today include all of the following except:
Lack of education
Poverty
Substance abuse
Socioeconomic status
Correct Answer: 4
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

17. Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Question 4
Physical growth for men is complete by about 21 years of age. At what age do women reach their full growth?
16 years
17 years
18 years
21 years
Correct Answer: 2
Copyright © 2013 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.