6 Emerging and Young Adulthood Free Online FlashCards

What is emerging adulthood?

Emerging adulthood is a period, often spanning the late teens through the twenties, when many people explore education, work, beliefs, and relationships while becoming more independent.

What characterizes identity diffusion?

Diffusion is an identity status involving little exploration and little commitment.

Does physical maturity guarantee good health in early adulthood?

Strength and lung function are typically high in early adulthood, but physical maturity does not guarantee good health. Habits and access to care also shape well-being.

What is formal operational thought?

Formal operational thought is the capacity for abstract and hypothetical reasoning, such as comparing possible careers or considering long-term consequences.

What is Erikson’s central psychosocial challenge in young adulthood?

Erikson’s central young-adult challenge is intimacy versus isolation: building close, trusting connections while maintaining a coherent sense of self.

What are some varied education and work pathways in adulthood?

Paths may include vocational training, community college, military service, caregiving, part-time work, or multiple routes over time—not only a four-year degree and full-time job.

Do common markers of adulthood follow one required order?

Markers such as financial independence, stable work, partnership, and parenthood do not occur in one required order, and some people do not pursue some of them.

What five features did Arnett identify in emerging adulthood?

Arnett’s five common features are identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling “in between,” and a sense of possibilities.

What characterizes identity foreclosure?

Foreclosure is commitment made without much prior exploration.

What characterizes identity moratorium?

Moratorium is active identity exploration without a firm commitment.

What characterizes identity achievement?

Achievement is commitment made following exploration.

Why are Marcia’s identity statuses not fixed steps?

Identity statuses are patterns, not fixed steps. A person may have different statuses in different life areas, such as settled religious beliefs but an actively explored career.