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Psychology - Developmental Psychology Age 13 to 65+

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    Study Guide Psychology – Developmental Psychology: Age 13 to 65+ 1. Development in Early and Middle Adulthood Unlike adolescence, adulthood does not begin with a clear biological sign such as puberty. In many technologically advanced countries, people now live well beyond 70 years , so adulthood makes up a large part of the lifespan. Because of this, developmental psychologists usually divide adulthood into stages. • Early adulthood: about ages 20 to 40 • Middle adulthood: about ages 40 to 65 Each stage comes with its own challenges, goals, and changes. 1.1 Early Adulthood (Ages 20 – 40) Relationships and Intimacy A major focus of early adulthood is learning how to form close, intimate relationships . People work on: • Sharing their lives with others • Developing emotional closeness • Finding intimate love During this period, many people form long - term relationships , and marriage and children often follow. 1.2 Marriage, Family, and Divorce Important decisions about marriage and family life are often made in early adulthood. Research shows that divorce is more likely among: • People who marry during adolescence • Individuals whose parents were divorced • Couples who differ greatly in age, intelligence, personality, or physical attractiveness

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    Study Guide Separation is also more common among couples without children . Most people who divorce eventually remarry , which means some children grow up with more than one set of parents . 1.3 Cohabitation Alternatives to marriage, such as living together (cohabitation) , have become more common. For example, in 1997 the United States Census Bureau estimated that 4.13 million unmarried couples were living together in the United States. 1.4 Work and Career Choices Career decisions are another major concern in early adulthood. A person’s job affects many areas of life, including: • Income and socioeconomic status • Friendships and social networks • Political values • Where one lives • Child care decisions • Levels of job - related stress Although income matters, people also look for: • Achievement • Recognition • Job satisfaction • Security • Challenge In modern societies, job choices often need to take into account the careers of both partners , not just one.

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    Study Guide 1.5 Middle Adulthood (Ages 40 – 65) Generativity vs. Self - Absorption In middle adulthood, people often turn their attention toward contributing to others and future generations . Psychologist Erik Erikson described this stage as a conflict between generativity and self - absorption . • Generativity involves caring for others, guiding younger people, and contributing through work, family, or community. • Self - absorption involves focusing mainly on one’s own needs and concerns. 1.6 Developmental Tasks of Middle Adulthood Psychologist Robert Havighurst identified seven major tasks that often occur during middle adulthood: 1. Accepting and adjusting to physical changes, such as menopause 2. Reaching and maintaining satisfaction in one’s occupation 3. Adjusting to and possibly caring for aging parents 4. Helping teenage children become responsible adults 5. Achieving adult social and civic responsibility 6. Relating to one’s spouse as a person, not just a role partner 7. Developing enjoyable leisure - time activities Successfully managing these tasks helps people feel productive and fulfilled during this stage of life. 1.7 The Midlife Transition The idea of a midlife crisis is well known, but psychologists do not see it as universal. However, many people in their 40s and 50s do become aware that more than half of their life has passed . This realization can lead to different reactions: • Some people feel pressured to make sudden or dramatic changes to achieve unmet goals. • Others focus on accepting their current path and finding satisfaction in what they have already built.

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    Study Guide Key Takeaway • Early adulthood centers on intimacy, relationships, and career choices . • Middle adulthood emphasizes contribution, responsibility, and caring for others . • Not everyone experiences a midlife crisis, but reflection on life direction is common. • Development in adulthood is shaped by personal choices, relationships, work, and social roles. 2. Development in Late Adulthood Late adulthood , often called old age, generally begins around age 65 . This stage of life brings important psychological, social, and physical changes. Although aging is often associated with decline, research shows that many older adults remain mentally active, emotionally satisfied, and socially engaged . 2.1 Psychosocial Development: Integrity vs. Despair Psychologist Erik Erikson described the main challenge of late adulthood as the conflict between integrity and despair . • Integrity involves looking back on life with a sense of meaning, acceptance, and satisfaction. • Despair involves regret, bitterness, or feeling that life was wasted. Successfully resolving this stage means accepting one’s life as it was lived and finding peace with it. 2.2 An Aging Population As life expectancy increases, the number of older adults is growing. It has been estimated that by 2030 , people over 65 years old will make up about 20% of the U.S. population . Despite concerns about aging: • Studies of people in their 70s show that aging does not automatically mean serious mental or physical decline . • Many older adults remain happy, productive, and involved in meaningful activities. The scientific study of aging is called gerontology , an interdisciplinary field that includes psychology, biology, sociology, and medicine.

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    Study Guide 2.3 Theories of Successful Aging Psychologists have proposed different theories to explain how people age successfully. Disengagement Theory The disengagement theory suggests that: • Withdrawal from social roles is natural and appropriate in old age. • Reducing responsibilities can make aging easier. • Society benefits when younger people take over these roles. Activity Theory The activity theory argues the opposite: • Staying physically, mentally, and socially active is essential for a high quality of life. • The idea is “ use it or lose it .” • Maintaining activities from earlier life helps people adjust better to aging. 2.4 Ageism Ageism refers to prejudice or discrimination based on age . Although it can affect people of any age, older adults are most often targeted. Examples include: • Forced or early retirement • Negative stereotypes, such as assuming older people are bad drivers Ageism can limit opportunities and negatively affect self - esteem and well - being. 2.5 Physical Changes in Late Adulthood Physical abilities typically peak in the 20s and then gradually decline.

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