Growth Development

Chapter 13: Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood

Question #1

One of the key features identified by Jeffrey Arnett that characterizes emerging adulthood is identity exploration. This is where the individual is still deciding what careers they are interested in as well as what type of relationship they would like to have. This might result in an individual where he/she might try various jobs such before deciding on a career path. Similarly, one might try out different relationships and different arrangements before deciding if they want to settle down or not.

Another key feature that Arnett mentioned was instability. During this time period in an individual’s life, many aspects of their lives such as work, school, and relationship are in a constant state of change. For example, in one week, one might be currently dating his / her current partner. While in the next week, the couple might break up. Likewise, the individual might’ve landed a new job recently. However, in a month or two, the individual might find a better opportunity in a different city or state and move over there instead, completely changing the dynamics.

In conjunction with the instability that the individual experiences, the sense of being “self –focused,” also characterizes emerging adulthood. The freedom to move to a different residential area or date someone totally new every week results from the individual have little to no commitments to others and instead allows them to be more autonomous. It is a stage in their lives where they’re “feeling in-between,” that is, they don’t consider themselves to be adolescent or full-fledged adults yet.

Lastly, Arnett describes emerging adulthood as an “age of possibilities, where individuals have an opportunity to transform their lives.” This is where many emerging adults feel that they’re optimistic about their future and for those who’ve experience difficult times while growing up, this is where they feel they can plan for...