Introduction
Early adulthood is one of the age-related stages of life, considering people in the age of twenty to forty. The phase is characterized by the individuals transiting from late adolescence who are determined to have a well-defined identity and lead a responsible life. They engage in various developmental tasks, including establishing personality, achievement of autonomy, and becoming a part of a community. This essay describes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of people in early adulthood, as well as the theories and personal experiences related to the stage.
Social and Emotional Development in Early Adulthood
The social and emotional changes in this phase of life involve intimacy and establishing one’s identity. Men and women develop the thoughts and feelings of committing to an intimate partner. Their self-esteem becomes positive because of being loved and affectionate to others (Overstreet, 2019). They develop flexible and self-regulatory emotional coping strategies and skills to resolve conflicts. Peer influence and incidences of conflicts with parents decline significantly (Overstreet, 2019). Further, people commit to social groups and have positive feelings about their membership, and integrate spiritual or religious beliefs into their identity. Indeed, social and emotional changes in early adulthood facilitate the formation and maintenance of relationships.
Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood
In early adulthood, physiological development is characterized by various aspects, such as enhanced motor performance, increased reproductive capacity, and better health and fitness. People at this stage have increased strength and the ability to act and move their body muscles. Additionally, their reproductive capacity peaks, with men and women becoming more sexually responsive, which leads to a healthy life minimizing their risks for illnesses (Overstreet, 2019). However, they have lower immune systems and engage in substance abuse behaviors, which may contribute to psychological problems and other health conditions. Cognitive development involves the way persons aged twenty to forty years think and make decisions. Thoughts become more practical, realistic, and individualistic, with the necessity or prior experience influencing the decision-making process. Thinking also becomes more flexible and balanced, allowing people to integrate salient aspects of opposing perspectives. Undeniably, the physical and cognitive changes in early adulthood enhance the way individuals at this state approach things.
Trends and Theories
Major trends in early adulthood are related to dating, marriage, and cohabiting. Courting has become more diversified and flexible, particularly because of social media. Most young adults live together and engage in a romantic relationship, even when they are not married, and delay assuming adult roles and responsibilities. The concepts which explain early adulthood include Erikson’s theory, which compares intimacy and isolation, and Levinson’s theory, dividing the stage into four phases (17-22, 22-28, 28-33, and 33-40 years) (Overstreet, 2019). The two theories help understand the changes which happen in early adulthood. Indeed, the treads and theories explain important factors which characterize early adulthood.
Personal Experience and the Benefits of Early Adulthood’s Knowledge
My experience at this stage is positive because I have developed social skills, which facilitate effective forming and maintaining of relationships. Friends’ opinions have an insignificant influence on my decision-making process. Additionally, I have become more practical and developed a desire to commit to an intimate relationship and become a part of certain social groups. The acquired knowledge will help provide evidence-based services to the patients at this life-developmental stage. For instance, it will facilitate a better understanding of the causes of mental disorders, such as stress and depression, and provide appropriate interventions. Notably, the individuals at this phase of life are prone to psychological illnesses because of failed relationships, exams, or unsuccessful job-hunting.
Conclusion
To sum up, early adulthood is one of the developmental stages characterized by persons aged between twenty and forty years. Social and emotional changes in this phase allow people to form and sustain relationships. Physical and cognitive growth are at their peak at this stage. People have increased motor ability and reproductive capacity, and their thoughts become practical and realistic. The knowledge about early adulthood will facilitate the provision of evidence-based nursing services.
Reference
Overstreet, L. (2019). Human development life span. Western Washington University.