Lesson 2 Moving Toward Adulthood

What does it mean to be an adult?

One term often used when defining adulthood is maturity.

Maturity has several components, including both physical

and emotional aspects.
Lesson 2 Lesson Objectives
In this lesson, you’ll learn to:

Evaluate positive effects of relationships with peers, family,

and friends on physical and emotional health.

Identify and explain the developmental tasks of adulthood.

Lesson 2 Physical and Emotional Maturity
Physical Maturity

In late adolescence or the early twenties, most people reach

physical maturity.

However, an adult physique doesn’t mean that you are an

adult.

To be an adult, you’ll need to develop emotionally.

Lesson 2 Physical and Emotional Maturity
Emotional Maturity

Characteristics of an emotionally mature person:

The ability to give and receive love.

The ability to face reality and deal with it.

The capacity to relate positively to life experiences and learn

from them.
Lesson 2 Considering the Entire Life Cycle
Erikson’s Stages of Adulthood

Erikson’s stages of life illustrate that as a person progresses

through life, his or her goals continue to evolve.

Young adulthood: Middle adulthood: Late adulthood:

19 to 40 years 40 to 65 years 65 to death
Lesson 2 Young Adulthood
Four Major Aspects of Life

1. Personal independence

2. Occupational choices

3. Intimate relationships

4. Contributions to society
Lesson 2 Young Adulthood
Developing Personal Independence

The desire for independence during adolescence is a part of

the quest for self-actualization, which includes developing
one’s capabilities to the fullest.

When leaving home or beginning to work fulltime, young

adults may substitute the emotional support of friends for the
support they once received from parents.

As they mature, however, they become more self-sufficient.

Lesson 2 Young Adulthood
Making Occupational Choices

As a teen you probably are giving some thought to what you

want your life to be like when you are an adult.

Part of that thought process may include your ideas about a

career or occupation.

Your ideas may be influenced by a part-time job, a role

model, or the amount of education beyond high school
required for a specific career.
Lesson 2 Young Adulthood
Establishing Intimate Relationships

As individuals grow into adulthood, they begin to develop

emotional intimacy with other individuals.

Some people may have romantic relationships that result in

marriage when they are ready for a permanent commitment.

Individuals may decide to seek romantic relationships later or

not at all.

Practicing abstinence until marriage gives a person freedom

from sexually transmitted diseases and maintains options for a
healthy future.
Lesson 2 Young Adulthood
Contributing to Society

Another task of young adulthood includes determining where

and how a person fits into society.

You have probably already developed some of your own

political ideas and religious views.

Voting in elections and taking part in community projects are

ways of contributing to society in a positive and effective
manner.