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Developmental Psychologist Essay
In this chapter of our textbook, the focus was primarily on the developmental psychology
in the different stages of life and the primary three domains that development falls within,
physical, cognitive, and socioemotional. While all three domains overlap and build off each
other, there are specific things that are addressed in each domain. For this essay, the focus will be
on the early or emerging adulthood life stage and development within the socioemotional
domain.
111111 The socioemotional needs of Early or Emerging Adulthood can be identified by first
looking at what age is encompassed in the life stage. According to George et al. (2023), “The age
ranges from 18-25, sometimes 28 years old.” (p. 97). The problem with our Western society is
the rites and/or lines of passage are skewed because there is usually no ceremony, but the young
adults now have achieved the ability to vote or go into the military and yet cannot purchase
certain items or rent a car.1
Young adults are still grappling with figuring out who they are as an individual, what
career or what purpose they want to have in their life, and who they want to be. All the while
they are still very much inward and self-focused because of the delay in adulthood milestones
such as marriage, children, careers, etc. With this delay it is possible for instability to become a
byproduct because young adults are so mobile and are not staying in one spot long enough to
establish meaningful, life-long relationships, whether the relationships be intimate or platonic.
Another challenge of this life stage and domain is financial independence from their parents;
because of the uncertainty of their life direction, they may rely on financial assistance from their
parents.
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111111 George et al. (2023) states, “the desire of early adults is to explore relationships beyond
their own family.” (p. 98). Those young adults that were able to form their identity during the
adolescent stage enter early adulthood with more confidence. The real desire of young adults is
for someone to truly know them and for them to be truly known in return. A level of
vulnerability is desired that includes warmth and love. (George et al., 2023, p. 98).1
There are some activities that would foster health developmental outcomes based on the
needs described. The first activity would be for the young adult to find a faith-based group to
connect with. This could be found in a church small group, or a religious group on campus if
they attend a university. The second activity would be for the young adult to find a book club
that parallels to their interests. The benefit of joining this group would be to give a variety of
ages and people of different walks of life and widen perspective while making new friendships.
A third activity that would benefit a young adult would be to find community service projects
that would help give back to their immediate community and be a vehicle for them to make
connections with others.
In conclusion, through the stages of life there are many areas of development that can
pose their unique challenges separately and together. Though there is not a one size fits all
solution, we believe that there are many activities that can be pursued or explored to advance
healthy developmental results to create a healthy early adulthood individual.1
