Benchmark - Case Study

Introduction

This writer has determined that emerging adults, 18-25, would be the most fulfilling and stimulating. The purpose of this paper is to present this student’s observation of Penny, an emerging adult by describing her physical, cognitive, social, moral, and emotional development, which are important in this phase of her life. Peer-reviewed articles will be used to support the five stages of development during emerging adulthood starting with her physical development.

Penny’s Physical Description-Emerging Adulthood

The young woman this observer decided to watch is Penny (renamed to protect her real name). She is approximately 5 feet, 6 inches, and weighs 140 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She is 19 years old and is considered an emerging adult and that stage corresponds with the theorist, Erikson’s stage of physical development (Belsky, 2019). During Erikson’s physical stage of development for emerging adults, she is physically mature, although her height and weight may continue to increase slightly, has developed muscle strength, female organs, hormones, cycles of menstruation, and does not seem to have any problems with vision, hearing, taste, and smell (Belsky 2019). In watching Penny, she is physically active and energetic and is currently pursuing a nursing degree at a local community college, while working at different medical facilities (She is focused on herself, exploring work, career options, and the area she wants to specialize in (Belsky, 2019). The next four paragraphs will present Penny’s cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development up to this point in her life.

Emerging Adult Cognitive Development

Emerging adults experience significant growth in terms of cognition, ….