Adulthood
I’ll know I’m really an
adult when…..
I’ll Know I’m really adult
when….
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Adulthood depends on gaining maturity,
knowledge, and social responsibility.
Attaining adulthood is not simply a matter of
chronological age or the legal rights that go
with it, but a matter of maturing in ways that
make one a happy, productive member of
society.
Maturity
 The
first step to becoming
an adult is gaining maturity.
 What is maturity?

Physical vs. Emotional Maturity
can you tell if you’re
mature?
 How
Maturity
 Physical
Maturity:
The state at which the physical body and all
its organs are fully developed.
-
-
Physical Maturity will happen
automatically.
By late adolescence or the early 20’s,
most people will have achieved physical
maturity.
Maturity
 Emotional
Maturity:
The state at which the mental and emotional
capabilities of an individual are fully
developed. Many people will not become
emotionally mature until after they mature
physically.
Examples:
- Achieving independence along with close
relationships
- Strong personal identity/Self acceptance
- Strong values
- Future goals
Stages of Life

Childhood: Birth – 12 years old

Early Adolescence: 13 - 15 years old
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Late Adolescence: 16 - 19 years old
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Early Adulthood: 20 - 40 years old
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Middle Adulthood: 41 – 65 years old
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Late Adulthood: 65+
Developmental Tasks
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
A developmental task is something that
needs to occur during a particular stage for a
person to continue his or her growth toward
becoming a healthy, mature adult.
What developmental tasks have you
accomplished during your childhood stage?
Adolescence?
Developmental Tasks of
Childhood
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Develop a conscience
Learn to communicate
Develop trust
Learn creativity
Learn initiative
Learn to walk
Sense of autonomy
Developmental Tasks of
Adolescence
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Achieving emotional independence from parents
Form mature relationships with peers
Preparing for adulthood-marriage, family life, and career
Accepting one’s physique
Acquiring a set of personal standards as a guide for
behavior
Developing social intelligence
Being able to cope with success and failure
Develop problem-solving skills
Developmental Tasks of
Adolescence
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Place a check next to the developmental tasks
you have already accomplished.
Circle the developmental tasks you have not
achieved.
On a separate piece of paper write down one
adolescence developmental task you
accomplished and explain how you know you
accomplished this task.
Write down one developmental task you have
not achieved. When do you think you will
achieve this task? What do you still need to
accomplish to achieve this task?
Developmental Tasks
of Adulthood
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An individual needs to satisfy well-defined
developmental tasks of adulthood in order
to reach emotional maturity.
These developmental tasks take longer to
achieve because they consist of learning
and gaining insight and experience.
There are 4 major developmental tasks of
adulthood.
Developmental Tasks
of Adulthood

These Developmental Tasks include:
-
Individual Identity/Personal Independence
Intimate Relationships
Place in Society
Occupational Role
Establishing an Individual Identity
& Personal Independence…

Having individual identity and being self
sufficient

Self-Actualization: developing one’s
capabilities to the fullest; striving to
become the best that you can be. (Goals
that motivate and inspire you)

What are the first steps most young adults
take to achieve self-actualization?
Establishing a
Place in Society…

Determining where and how a person fits into
society.
Examples:
 Political views
 Religious views
 Social Responsibility
Establishing Intimate
Relationships…

Building close relationships with people,
while still maintaining a sense of self.

Emotional Intimacy: the ability to
experience a caring, loving relationship
with another person, sharing your
innermost feelings.

Marriage vs. Life-long partner vs. Single
How is the ability to maintain an adult
relationship established?
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Establishing an
Occupational Role…
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Finding a career (Career vs. Job)

How will you make this choice?
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How will you prepare?
- Education, on the job training,
internships, etc.

Money or Happiness?
“Somewhere inside we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we
wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” –Pat Tillman
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4MG2pj
gtnM
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhw0atdd_s
Writing Prompt

Part One: Life is full of crossroads and big decisions…if you were given these two
choices which would you opt for? Choose one and briefly explain why.

Option A
Join the Army Rangers during a time of war, exposing yourself to rigorous training,
hazardous conditions, and an unknown environment that is susceptible to death.

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Option B
Sign a 3-year contract for 3.6 million dollars to continue to pursue a passion that has
been part of your entire life.

Part Two: Pat Tillman chose Patriotism over a Paycheck

What would motivate an individual to choose A?! Try to think of one descriptive word
that would justify his decision. Explain.

How does this decision made by Pat Tillman relate to any of the developmental task of
adulthood? Choose one or two and briefly explain why.

Do Now…
 Write
down 4 specific
developmental tasks for each stage
of life
 Childhood
 Adolescence
 Adulthood
Stages of Life

Childhood: Birth – 12 years old

Early Adolescence: 13 - 15 years old

Late Adolescence: 16 - 19 years old

Early Adulthood: 20 - 40 years old
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Middle Adulthood: 41 – 65 years old
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Late Adulthood: 65+
Middle Adulthood
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Transitions: critical changes that occur
at all stages of life.
Graduating from high school and going
out to make your place in this world –
college, military, job, etc.
Middle Adulthood Transition =
 Generativity: a shift of attention away
from one-self to concerns for future
generations.
Physical Transitions

Around age 40, adults show physical signs
of aging.
- wrinkles
- dry skin
- decline of hearing/eyesight
- gray hair/thinning of hair
- muscle loss
- menopause (females)
Mental & Emotional
Transitions
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Most often people look back at what they
accomplished in their life
vs.
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“Mid-Life Crisis”
Social Transitions
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Death of parents
Adaptation to children leaving home to
establish independence
Empty-Nest Syndrome: feelings of despair or
loneliness that accompany children leaving
home and entering adulthood.
Late Adulthood

Final Stage of Development
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Typically accompanied by retirement from the
workforce (as early as age 50 or well into
one’s eighties)

Typically free from pressures and daily
responsibilities
Physical Changes
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Age spots
Skin loses elasticity
Functioning of body’s organs slows
Immune system becomes less effective
Cancer, Heart Disease, Osteoporosis,
Arthritis, Alzheimer’s
Emotional & Social Changes

Integrity: a feeling of wholeness and
contentment.

Family and close social relationships,
religion, and integrity allow older individuals
to enjoy the life they have left and accept the
approach of death.
DO NOW….. (9/9)
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What is the difference between emotional
and physical maturity?
What are the stages of life and the ages for
each stage?
What is a developmental task?
What do you think happens if an individual
does not reach the developmental tasks at
each stage of life?