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Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 17–45

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    Study Guide Developmental Psychology – Psychosocial Development: Age 17 – 45 1. Establishing a Career: Ages 22 – 33 1.1 Entering the Workforce One of the most important tasks for young adults, especially between ages 22 – 33 , is building a career . This usually starts in college or trade school , where young adults gain the knowledge and skills they need for the workforce. During this time, it’s common for young adults to explore different career options before settling into one path. Choosing a career doesn’t mean they are locked in forever. Many people switch careers entirely, not just jobs within the same field. For example, a psychology professor might later decide to become a church pastor. Career pa ths can change as interests and priorities evolve. 1.2 Balancing Work and Family As dual - career marriages become more common, balancing work and family life can be challenging. If one partner is unwilling to share responsibilities, the other may feel stressed trying to juggle a career, household chores, and raising children . Even though many couples aim for equal parenting, women still often carry the primary responsibility for childcare . This can explain why married women with children are more likely to leave their jobs compared to single women or women without children. 1.3 The Upside of Multiple Roles Taking on multiple roles — such as worker, spouse, and parent — can be stressful , but it can also be rewarding . When these roles are well - managed and meaningful, they can lead to: • Higher self - esteem • Greater independence • A stronger sense of fulfillment The key is finding balance and quality in each role, which helps young adults feel successful both at work and at home.

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    Study Guide 2. Starting a Family: Ages 33 – 45 2.1 Settling Down Between ages 33 – 45 , young adults enter what Levinson calls the culminating phase of early adulthood. This includes the settling down stage (33 – 40), when many have already established a career and found a spouse . If they haven’t yet started a family, this is often the time when couples decide to have children . 2.2 Parenthood and Marriage Becoming parents can strengthen a marriage , but research shows that marital satisfaction often drops after the first child is born . This can happen because: • Daily routines and roles change • Family responsibilities increase • Finances may be strained However, this doesn’t have to happen. Couples with a strong, positive relationship who share parenting duties equally often experience minimal stress and maintain marital happiness. 2.3 Challenges of Parenthood Even though parenthood brings joy, it also comes with big responsibilities and time demands . Challenges include: • Accidental or unplanned pregnancies • Difficult or fussy children • Feeling a loss of personal opportunities, like continuing education or career progress • Especially for young women, the choice between career ambitions and staying home to raise children

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    Study Guide 2.4 Trends in Family Planning Many people are now postponing marriage and children until their 30s . Waiting has advantages: • Both partners are more emotionally mature • Relationships tend to be more stable , which helps handle parenting challenges Not all families follow the traditional model. Some examples of nontraditional family units include: • Blended families or stepfamilies (children from previous marriages) • Single - parent families • Same - sex families Some couples also choose to remain childless . Research shows that having children doesn’t automatically make a couple happier — the key is choosing the lifestyle that fits their needs and goals . Couples can learn more about family planning, birth control, conception, and other pregnancy options from organizations like: • Planned Parenthood Federation of America • National Right to Life Committee • National Abortion Rights Action League 3. Independence: Ages 17 – 28 3.1 Early Adulthood and Psychosocial Development During early adulthood, people go through many changes in lifestyle and relationships . According to Erikson , the main challenge at this stage is balancing identity and intimacy . • Identity : Knowing who you are and what you want in life • Intimacy : Being able to share your life and yourself with another person This balance is part of the intimacy versus isolation crisis, where adults learn to commit to others without losing themselves.

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