Lesson 7: Emerging and Early Adulthood

Question 1

What is emerging adulthood?

Answer 1

Emerging adulthood is the period between late teens and early twenties, typically ages 18-25, marked by exploration and transition into adulthood.

Question 2

How does Jeffrey Arnett describe emerging adulthood?

Answer 2

Arnett describes it as a distinct phase where individuals leave dependency but haven’t fully embraced adult responsibilities.

Question 3

What are the five characteristics of emerging adulthood according to Arnett?

Answer 3

Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and the age of possibilities.

Question 4

What is the age of instability in emerging adulthood?

Answer 4

A phase characterized by frequent changes in jobs, relationships, and living arrangements.

Question 5

How does self-focus differ between adolescents and emerging adults?

Answer 5

Emerging adults are self-focused to explore life’s possibilities but remain considerate of others, unlike the more self-centered nature of adolescents.

Question 6

How do European emerging adults differ from their American counterparts?

Answer 6

European emerging adults often have longer periods of leisure and financial support, with median marriage and parenthood ages near 30.

Question 7

What distinguishes Asian emerging adulthood experiences?

Answer 7

Asian cultures emphasize family obligations, often prioritizing parents’ expectations over personal explorations.

Question 8

Why is financial independence a key marker of adulthood in Western cultures?

Answer 8

It signifies the ability to support oneself without relying on parents.

Question 9

How do collectivist cultures view adulthood markers differently?

Answer 9

They prioritize the ability to support parents financially over individual independence.

Question 10

What global factors influence the experience of emerging adulthood?

Answer 10

Economic development, education access, and cultural norms.

Question 11

At what age is physical maturity typically complete?

Answer 11

By the early twenties.

Question 12

What physiological systems peak during early adulthood?

Answer 12

Muscle strength, reaction time, sensory abilities, and reproductive systems.

Question 13

What changes begin around age 30?

Answer 13

Vision changes, sound sensitivity decreases, hair thinning, and slower recovery times.

Question 14

How does obesity affect early adults?

Answer 14

It increases the risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues.

Question 15

What are common causes of obesity?

Answer 15

Genetic predisposition, diet, lack of physical activity, and environmental factors.

Question 16

What are the leading causes of death in early adulthood?

Answer 16

Unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide.

Question 17

How does alcohol use affect early adults?

Answer 17

It increases risks of accidents, addiction, and health complications.

Question 18

What is binge drinking?

Answer 18

Consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, typically 4-5 drinks within two hours.

Question 19

What are the consequences of college drinking?

Answer 19

Academic struggles, injuries, assaults, and alcohol-related deaths.

Question 20

How does substance abuse differ between college and non-college young adults?

Answer 20

College students report higher binge drinking, while non-college peers show higher daily marijuana use.

Question 20

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Answer 20

Sex refers to biological traits, while gender is a social construct related to cultural roles.

Question 20

What is cisgender?

Answer 20

A person whose gender identity matches their biological sex assigned at birth.

Question 21

What challenges do transgender individuals face?

Answer 21

Higher rates of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Question 21

Which brain areas are involved in sexual behavior?

Answer 21

The hypothalamus, limbic system, and cerebral cortex.

Question 21

What is the sexual response cycle?

Answer 21

A model describing physiological responses during sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Question 21

How do cultural norms influence gender roles?

Answer 21

They shape expectations for behaviors, occupations, and societal roles based on gender.

Question 21

What is transgender?

Answer 21

A person whose gender identity differs from their biological sex assigned at birth.

Question 22

What is sexual orientation?

Answer 22

A person’s emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex or gender.

Question 22

What hormones influence sexual behavior?

Answer 22

Testosterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin.

Question 22

How do cultural attitudes toward premarital sex differ?

Answer 22

It is more accepted in Western cultures than in many Asian cultures.

Question 22

What is postformal thought?

Answer 22

An advanced type of thinking that integrates experience, practical considerations, and abstract reasoning.

Question 23

What is dialectical thought?

Answer 23

The ability to consider and reconcile opposing viewpoints.

Question 24

Why might formal operational thought not apply to all adults?

Answer 24

It depends on educational and life experiences.

Question 25

How do adolescents’ and adults’ thinking differ?

Answer 25

Adults consider practical realities and are less influenced by external opinions.

Question 26

How does education impact cognitive development?

Answer 26

It enhances abstract reasoning and critical thinking.

Question 27

What percentage of U.S. adults have a high school diploma?

Answer 27

About 88%.

Question 28

What are the benefits of a college education?

Answer 28

Higher earnings, lower unemployment, and enhanced social competencies.

Question 29

What is the average student debt for U.S. graduates?

Answer 29

Nearly $29,000.

Question 30

What are Millennials seeking in their careers?

Answer 30

Purpose and engagement beyond financial compensation.

Question 31

What are NEETs?

Answer 31

Young people not in employment, education, or training.

Question 32

What is temperament?

Answer 32

Innate characteristics like mood and activity level observable from infancy.

Question 33

How stable is temperament into adulthood?

Answer 33

It remains relatively stable but can be influenced by environmental factors.

Question 34

What is the Five Factor Model of Personality?

Answer 34

A model describing five traits: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Question 35

What are the four adult attachment styles?

Answer 35

Secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant.

Question 36

How does culture influence gender identity development?

Answer 36

Cultural norms shape expectations and personal perceptions of gender roles.

Question 37

What is Erikson’s stage for early adulthood?

Answer 37

Intimacy vs. Isolation.

Question 38

How do adult friendships differ from adolescent friendships?

Answer 38

They focus more on shared values and mutual support.

Question 39

What is the role of cohabitation in relationships?

Answer 39

It provides an opportunity to test compatibility before marriage.

Question 40

How do romantic relationships influence identity?

Answer 40

They contribute to self-concept and emotional growth.

Question 41

What factors predict long-term relationship success?

Answer 41

Communication, shared goals, and emotional support.

Question 42

What factors contribute to financial stress in early adulthood?

Answer 42

Student debt, housing costs, and unstable employment.

Question 43

How do work-life balance challenges manifest?

Answer 43

Through difficulty managing career demands with personal relationships.

Question 44

What is burnout?

Answer 44

Chronic stress and fatigue resulting from prolonged work pressure.

Question 45

How does societal pressure impact early adults?

Answer 45

It can create unrealistic expectations for career and family milestones.

Question 46

How do mental health challenges commonly emerge?

Answer 46

Stress and transitions can trigger anxiety and depression.

Question 47

How have living arrangements changed for young adults?

Answer 47

More young adults live with their parents due to economic factors.

Question 48

What impact does globalization have on emerging adulthood?

Answer 48

It introduces diverse career opportunities and cultural influences.

Question 49

How does technology affect early adults’ lives?

Answer 49

It shapes communication, education, and workplace interactions.

Question 50

What is the effect of social media on identity development?

Answer 50

It provides both opportunities for self-expression and risks of comparison.

Question 51

How does early adulthood set the foundation for lifelong development?

Answer 51

It establishes career paths, relationships, and personal values.