Adult Development Essay Example
Adult Development Essay Example

Adult Development Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (678 words)
  • Published: October 24, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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In the book "The Journey of Adulthood," authors Barbara R. Bjorklund and Helen L. Bee delve into the realm of adult development in developmental psychology. This field of study investigates the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions individuals encounter as they transition through various life stages such as childhood, adolescence, and adulthood—the main focus of this text.

The paper will investigate various concepts in adult development, including Erikson's stages of adult development, career selection, retirement, healthy aging, and unhealthy aging.

Theories of Adult Development

According to Eric Erikson, egos are present from birth and behavior is not solely defensive. He developed a model comprising eight stages that cover the entire lifespan, in contrast to theories concentrating only on childhood development. Acknowledging the lengthy duration of adul

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thood, Erikson also categorized adult stages into those encountered by young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults. While specific ages may differ, these age ranges typically apply to the majority of individuals.

Erikson's main philosophy can be summarized as follows: (1) our world expands as we grow, and (2) failures have a cumulative effect. While the first point is obvious, there may be differing opinions on the second idea. It is indeed true that individuals who faced challenging circumstances during their childhood may experience more difficulties in later stages compared to those who had fewer obstacles earlier on. For instance, orphans who lacked physical affection as infants often struggle to form connections with others in adulthood and some have even died due to lack of human contact (Harder, A. 2009). In our initial class discussion, we explored Erikson's theory and I applied it to my own life and

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that of my children, finding it accurate. I fully agree with and understand this concept. Another factor to consider is the process of choosing a career.

The idea of choosing a career

According to John Holland, individuals aim to find work environments that match their vocational interests, personal attitudes, competencies, and values. However, in modern times, people prioritize benefits and pay when searching for jobs. If a job offers job satisfaction and security, individuals generally feel satisfied with their working environment. Most people choose jobs based on their schedules. Moreover, individuals tend to have consistent preferences for specific jobs and types of work throughout their lives. Lastly, it is important to consider retirement.

The idea of retirement is being discussed.

Retirement is a significant decision made by individuals who have devoted more than 20 years to a company. It is seen as an important milestone in adult development and is eagerly anticipated. Rather than being an abrupt choice, retirement is carefully considered and planned for. Occasionally, retirement may be obligatory, particularly when a company downsizes and must reduce expenses by releasing long-term employees.

There are two types of aging: healthy and unhealthy aging.

During childhood, age is often considered significant in terms of appearance and behavior. However, as individuals enter adolescence, other factors start to have a greater impact. As people reach adulthood, there is a wide range of variation among individuals who are the same age. Various types of age have been identified to emphasize different aspects of adult development (Bjorkland ; Bee, 2009) p.13.

Medical advancements have extended the aging process, enabling people to live longer

and healthier lives. It is important to comprehend different facets of senior health, including physical well-being, mental wellness, and emotional stability. Older individuals can enhance personal satisfaction and lifespan by adopting healthy habits, participating in regular exercise and activities, and cultivating a strong social support system.

As people get older, the physical effects on their bodies can be observed due to choices they made when they were younger. Factors such as smoking, drinking, drug use, and lack of exercise contribute to these consequences later in life. To minimize their impact, it is recommended to adopt a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, undergo routine check-ups, have knowledge about family health history and promptly seek appropriate treatment for any disorders. Additionally, it is important to cultivate a well-rounded life that includes nurturing relationships and activities aimed at reducing stress (Bjorkland ; Bee, 2009,p.95).

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