Human development and the challenges for society
Explain Erikson’s life stage theory related to age 20 – 39 years. In your explanation discuss maladaptations and malignancies related to this age of the life cycle. Minimum 200 words.
The age between 20 – 39 years is characterised by intimacy versus isolation. This is where a person either forms relationships with others including a family foundation or else becomes more isolated (Sugarman, 2001, p. 88). This helps them in forming intimate relationships with others. On the other hand, individuals may be isolated if they are unable to form relationships therefore a person becomes a loner. In addition, this is the period where the identity versus role confusion come to an end. Furthermore, this can be regarded as the young adulthood stage. The maladaptations and malignancies associated with this stage include exclusivity, which is described by aspects such as being a loner, self-contained and in some cases being cold to others (Sugarman 2001, p. 107). Maladaptations and malignancies negatively affect the individual ability to have a positive relationship with others. Therefore at this stage, the individuals have a baggage of issues such as being cold to others, which affects their ability to form a relationship with others. Having a negative attitude towards others and the tendency of being a loner can be eliminated if the individuals are able to access adequate therapy and on time. Even though this period is characterised by elements of intimacy versus isolation, the ability to love and form long-lasting relationships is impacted by the elements of being promiscuous or pushing other people away, which leads to isolation (Sugarman, 2004). Nevertheless, when one is able to overcome the maladaptations and malignancies, then they can be able to avoid issues such as being isolated but instead focus more on fostering positive relationships with others.
Explain the most significant (recognised) changes related to Physical, Cognitive and Emotional development for the age from early Adulthood to midlife. In your response include the typical life milestones expected across this age range. Minimum 200 words, referenced in APA6 style.
At the early Adulthood to midlife individuals are characterised by the development in terms of superior sensory ability and muscle strength, given that it is at this point that the individuals are at their peak. However, at midlife, ageing begins where individuals’ reproductive ability reduces and individual strength becomes compromised. At the end of midlife, one may have weak immune system, their hearing and vision becomes more impaired and this affects their lives. Similarly, people become less productive during the midlife (Sugarman, 2001, p.107). Conversely, in terms of cognitive abilities, early adulthood is characterised by the relativistic thinking where individuals becomes more aware of the complex nature of their lives. In early Adulthood, individuals’ intelligence grows, and this is aided by their experience and the learning process, and it is at this point that crucial decisions that guide individual lives are made. On the other hand, by midlife, individuals begin to mould others, including the young ones within their families. However, individuals may suffer from the midlife crisis, which is characterised by the need to stay alone and form and maintain relationships in the process. The process of coming up with a goal, defining it and pursuing it is a challenge, especially in midlife. Other characteristics include the process of managing households and expanding caring relationships. This is where career management becomes essential as the process of pursuing intimate relationships become essential. The most recognised changes from early adulthood to midlife may include the process of selecting a person or the partner to live with. As a result, this is the point where one is likely to start a family and therefore bringing up children in the process. In early Adulthood, a person can also decide to pursue further education, depending on how they have been able to set their individual goals. If they are not pursuing further education, then one can start working. One develops the urge to gain autonomy and start their lives in the absence of their parents.
Daniel Levinson refers to early Adulthood, midlife transition and middle Adulthood as stages of the adult life journey. Explain these stages referring to stable states and unstable transitional stages (equilibrium). Minimum 200 words, referenced in APA6 style
The theory holds out that physical and social environment play a key role in shaping the people lives in the long run where it revolves around the concern of work and family needs. The stable period of Daniel Levinson theory is the period where a person tends to make the most important decisions that guides them in the long run. On the other hand, the transitional period is characterised by the start of a person stage which precedes another one (Sugarman, 2001, p.103). However, the most important element is that during this period, an individual life may either be smooth or rocky and this can affect the transition from one stage to the next. Daniel Levinson Seasons of a Man’s Life has six stages which includes the early adults transition which is largely between ages of 17-22 and it is characterised by the process where children makes key choices in their lives and the process of leaving adolescence. The second stage is between entering the adult world between the ages of 22 to 28 and is characterised by the choices regarding to the lifestyle, values, friendship, occupation and love. The third stage is the age 30 transition between 28 and 33. At this stage one may face stressful and severe crisis and is characterised by the moderate change in their lives. The fourth stage is the Settling down (33-40) which elements such as family and career accomplishments become important. The fifth stage is the Mid-life transition (40-45) which is a stable period where life structure becomes important. The last stage is Entering middle Adulthood (45-50), where one must make key choices in their lives.
Explain risk factors that can impact within Adulthood that effect active participation in our community. i.e. Depression can be debilitating and impact ability to work, socialise, maintain relationships. Minimum 200 words
The risk factors include mental health issues, personal stability, physical activity participation and lack of emotional connection with others. Physical activity participation, in this case, is a challenge, especially to those people who are old and cannot participate in community activities. Other risk factors may include health problems and vulnerability, having families and children, which limit their participation and lack of time due to focus on their careers. The risk factors that can impact the effective participation in society include having a higher population of older adults. Older adults are more vulnerable, given that they suffer from health issues, are fragile and less mobile, and this reduces participation in society. Therefore, age is one of the main risk factors that impact participation. Another risk factor is the mental health issue. This includes issues such as Depression, which impacts the ability of the individuals in the society to maintain and safeguard relationships (Beyond Blue, 2017). Individuals with other mental health issues may negatively affect their ability to form their relationships. Besides, other risk factors include personal stability, given that the lack of a stable family may affect the ability of other people to form relationships in the long run. Other aspects include behavioural risks, which may include elements such as the use of sedatives and alcohol, which affects individual behaviour. Other risk factors include may also include personal feelings, which include being sad, miserable, disappointed, indecisive, and irritable, guilt and being overwhelmed (Sugarman, 2004). Lastly, lack of cohesiveness within the society and a stable life may affect a person ability to form a family which in the long run impacts the input they have in the society.
References
Sugarman Leonie. (2001). Life Span Development: Frameworks, Accounts and Strategies. Taylor and Francis e-library.
Sugarman, L. (2004). Life-span development: Frameworks, accounts and strategies. Routledge.
Beyond Blue. (2017). Beyond Blue. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/