topic 9
Early Adulthood
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Critical Thinking Questions Two of the developmental
tasks historically associated with early adulthood are the establishment of a career and starting a family. Some have contended that our culture has extended the period of adolescence. They argue that this has decreased the
responsibility that has traditionally pushed young people into adulthood, establishing careers and families of their own. If this were so, how would it affect psychosocial development?
The articles listed below offer a few perspectives on this aspect of early adult development. The first is an article that discusses entrance into adulthood as a stage of life. The second two
articles are research investigating the relationship of psychosocial development to the acceptance of adult responsibility. After reading the articles, answer the following questions: What is the main point of each article? How does
the author support this thesis? Do the research studies provide support for Walsh's proposition? What conclusions might be drawn from these three articles? What questions remain to be asked? Provide support for your answers. "Perspectives." (stages of life and living)(Column) Catherine Walsh. America, Feb 22, 1997 v176 n6 p9(1). "Psychological maturity in early adulthood: Relationships between social development and
identity." Helen R. Winefield and Eileen J. Harvey. Journal of Genetic Psychology, March 1996 v157 n1 p93(11). "Differences in pyschosocial experiences of employed, unemployed, and student samples of young
adults." Todd Jackson. The Journal of Psychology, Jan 1999 v133 i1 p49(1).
Research Question After reading the article, answer the following questions:
What kind of research design was used? What strengths and weaknesses do you see in the design? What were the dependent variables in this study? How were they measured? What changes would you make to the study if you were going to do
this research?
"Attachment and the representation of intimate relationships in adulthood." Thomas L. Morrison, Beth L. Goodlin-Jones and Anthony J. Urquiza. The Journal of Psychology, Jan 1997 v131 n1 p57(15).
Suggested Readings from Infotrac College Edition "A time to
leave home and a time never to return? Age constraints on the living arrangements of young adults." Richard A. Settersten Jr. Social Forces, June 1998 v76 n4 p1373(28). This is an examination of young people's beliefs
about family and societal expectations related to leaving home.
"Ordinal position, family environment, and status attainment among Australian young adults." Kevin
Marjoribanks. The Journal of Social Psychology, June 1997 v137 n3 p398(2). Does one's point of origin in life affect one's destination? This longitudinal study of Australian adults finds that it does, with a few conditions.
"Young women's expected and preferred patterns of employment and child care." F. Heather Davey. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, Jan 1998 v38 n1-2 p95(8). This study examines whether a traditional
"balancing" of work and family is part of the expectations and goals of young women entering adulthood. "A comparison of two measures to assess adult attachment." Malcolm West, Sheila Spreng, Philippa
Casares-Knight, Sarah M. Rose and Rob Leiper. Journal of Genetic Psychology, Sep 1998 v159 n3 p345(8). This article contributes to attachment research by comparing two measures of adult attachment. "Self-monitoring,
trust, and commitment in romantic relationships." Stacy L. Norris and Richard L. Zweigenhaft. The Journal of Social Psychology, April 1999 v139 i2 p215(6). This novel research design examines the degree to which the
personality characteristic of self-monitoring is related to trust and commitment in romantic relationships. "Assessment of trust in intimate relationships and the self-perception process." Ann Marie Zak, Joel
A. Gold, Richard M. Ryckman and Ellen Lenney. The Journal of Social Psychology, April 1998 v138 n2 p217(12). An attempt is made to evaluate interpersonal trust including the dimension of self-perception, which the authors
suggest affects an individual's ability to trust others. "Exposure to media images of female attractiveness and concern with body weight among young women." Heidi D. Posavac, Steven S. Posavac and Emil J.
Posavac. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, Feb 1998 v38 n3-4 p187(12). A research article investigates whether media portrayals of "beauty" lead to concerns about body weight among young women. A possible moderating
variable is discussed.