We explain what adulthood is and the stages it includes. Also, what are its general characteristics and the experiential crisis.
Adulthood is the stage that follows adolescence.
What is adulthood?
Adulthood is the stage of human development that follows adolescence and precedes old age. In this stage The individual is already fully developed physically and intellectuallyIt is usually framed between 20 and 60 years, although this depends on many factors, such as cultural and psychological ones.
From the point of view of psychology, being an adult means having developed one’s own personality, a certain emotional maturity and social responsibility. From a legal point of view, the person is considered to be a full member of societywith all the rights and responsibilities that this implies.
On the other hand, the body has also completed its growth. Changes occur in the physiognomy, such as the appearance of gray hair or decreased vision.
Characteristics of adulthood
In adulthood, we look for friends with a similar life path.
Some characteristics of adulthood are:
- Coming of age. The age of majority marks, at a variable age depending on each country, the legal entry into force of adulthood. It is usually around 18 and 21 years of age and determines the beginning of adult life, which is the moment when one has full capacity to act.
- IndependenceAdulthood involves developing new roles. New needs arise in response to physical and emotional space, for example, the search for one’s own home or economic autonomy. Independence is related to variables such as the economic, cultural and geographical environment, and the capabilities of each individual.
- Stable links. Adult social ties tend to be long-lasting. They depend on their lifestyle and personality. In general, groups are less frequent, and ties are oriented towards a partner or towards friends who have a similar life path: work colleagues, university colleagues, etc.
- Stability. In adulthood, a certain self-knowledge has been achieved and the character is more defined. Decision making tends to be more careful and thoughtful, which leads to greater robustness. For example, it is usually the time when some people decide to start a family.
- Moral responsibility. In adulthood, individuals are expected to be morally responsible, that is, to be able to take responsibility for their actions. The experience and knowledge acquired provide the ability to evaluate situations from a responsible perspective. For example, fulfilling work commitments or caring for children.
- Sexual identity. The exercise of sexuality in adulthood generally involves greater opportunities for freedom, experimentation and satisfaction. It occurs in an autonomous, ethical and conscious manner. For example, there is greater awareness of the risks of sexually transmitted diseases.
Stages of adulthood
In adulthood, identity and values are consolidated.
Two major stages can be distinguished in adulthood: early adulthood and middle adulthood.
1. Early adulthood
Young adulthood occurs approximately between the ages of 20 and 40. At the moment, physical maturity is complete and at its peak in relation to strength, agility and endurance. This is why it is usually considered, for example, that it is the moment of greatest performance for an athlete, or that it is an appropriate time to conceive a child.
It is the stage of greatest cognitive development (the ability to reason and think). In addition, adults are expected to have greater emotional intelligence, which means having, for example, self-knowledge, empathy and self-control.
From a social point of view, there are usually beginnings that mark a stage (milestones), such as choosing a profession, or decisions such as where to live or what lifestyle to lead. This always depends on the social, economic and historical context in which each person lives.
Progressively, the aging process begins. This involves changes in the body, such as decreased hearing or hair loss.
2. Middle adulthood
Middle adulthood occurs between approximately 40 and 65 years of age. In this stage the aging process is accentuated. On a physical level the deterioration is more evident. For example, the senses lose acuity and hearing and vision decrease, there is greater dryness of the skin, weight gain may occur, etc.
At a cognitive level, some functions may also decrease, such as memory and the ability to generate new learning.
At this moment the identity is consolidated. Adults can develop their potential and it is usually a stage of self-realization, maturity and stability. Also, adults tend to be flexible to adapt to different situations and possible changes.
The experiential crisis
Becoming aware of the passage of time can cause a crisis, characterized by stress. It consists of a rethinking of vital priorities, the rhythm and model of life one leads. For example, some people may decide to change their occupation or start playing a sport.
The experiential crisis is a product of the awareness that the future is getting shorter and that time is finite. It is a personal questioning that can produce profound changes in the way of life or in the perception one has of the present. For example, accepting the finitude of life and enjoying each experience.
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References
- Embodied Cognitive Sciences. (2022) Adulthood. Mexico: UNAM. https://www.cienciascognitivascorporizada.com/
- Di Segni Obiols, S. (2002). Adults in crisis. Young people adrift. Buenos Aires: Educational News.
- Moffatt, A. (1982). Crisis therapy. Buenos Aires: Search.