Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood

Emerging Adulthood  Slower than in past to reach milestones of adulthood  Prolonged identity development  More education  Later career entry  Less available for low SES

Theories of Biological Aging DNA-Cellular Level

 Programmed effects of specific genes  “Aging genes”  Tolomere shortening  Random Events  Mutations and cancer  Free radicals

Organ and Tissue Level

 Cross-linkage theory  Gradual failure of endocrine system  Declines in immune system

Cardiovascular & Respiratory Changes 

Heart

 Few resting changes, lower performance under stress   Hypertension, atherosclerosis Diseases declining - better lifestyle 

Lungs

 Maximum vital capacity declines after 25  Stiffness makes breathing harder with age

Aging and Athletic Performance

Motor Performance in Adulthood  Athletic skills peak between 20 and 35  Decline gradually until 60s or 70s, then faster  Continued training slows loss  Keep more vital capacity, muscle, response speed

The Immune System in Early Adulthood

Declines after age 20:

   Fewer T cells from shrinking thymus B cells don’t work as well without T cells Stress weakens immune response

Rate of First Births to Women by Age

Leading Causes of Death in Early Adulthood

SES and Self-Reports of Health

Causes of Overweight   Heredity Environmental pressures  Cheap fat and sugar   Supersize portions Busy lives  Snacks  Take-out  Lack of exercise

Consequences of Overweight   

Health Problems

     Blood pressure, heart Diabetes Liver, gallbladder Arthritis Sleep, digestive

Social discrimination

  Housing Education, careers

Mistreatment

Treating Obesity      Diet and exercise Eating records Social support Problem-solving skills Extended intervention

Dietary Fat 

Saturated Fat

 From meat and dairy   Solid at room temperature No more than 10% of daily calories 

Unsaturated

 Liquid vegetable oils 

Total fat

 30% or less of daily calories

Variations in Dietary Fat and High Blood Pressure Among Black Africans

Exercise  Only one third get enough  At least 30 minutes moderate five or more days a week  More often, more vigorous is better  Around one third of North Americans are inactive  Women  Low SES

Benefits of Exercise   Reduces fat, builds muscle Boosts immune system, prevents some diseases   Cardiovascular benefits Mental health benefits  Stress reduction  Self-esteem  Longer life

Substance Use in Early Adulthood  Peaks from 19-22 years, then declines  But up to 20% ages 21-25 are substance abusers   Cigarettes, chewing tobacco Alcohol  Binge drinking  Drugs  Marijuana    Stimulants Prescription drugs Party drugs

Cigarette Smoking  25% of Americans, 19% of Canadians  Numbers slowly declining  Less with higher education, but many college students smoke  More women smoking  Most smokers start before age 21   Deadly health risks Hard to quit  Most in treatment programs restart

Alcohol Abuse in Early Adulthood      13% of men, 3% of women heavy drinkers  About 1/3 of these alcoholics Genetic, cultural factors in alcoholism Causes mental, physical problems High social costs Treatment is difficult  Half relapse in months

Heterosexual Sexual Activity in Early Adulthood     90% have intercourse by age 22 Most sex in the context of relationships  70% only 1 partner in past year  Partners similar to each other Sex infrequent  Only 1/3 twice a week or more  More often in 20s, declines with age Most are satisfied  Over 80% of those in relationships  Minority report problems

Sex Difference in Sexual Attitudes  Women more opposed to casual sex  More men looking for play and pleasure  Men more upset by sexual infidelity; women by emotional  Lifetime number of partners similar for men and women  Attitudes grow more similar with age

Homosexuality and Bisexuality in Early Adulthood    2.8% of men, 1.4% of women  Estimated 30% same-sex couples do not report Similar behavior to heterosexuals Public acceptance growing  Majority say it’s “OK,” support civil liberties, job opportunities  Most well-educated; live in larger cities, college towns

Dangers of Sex 

STDs

 AIDS 

Sexual Coercion

 Rape  Abuse

Factors Related to Sexual Coercion

Perpetrator Characteristics Cultural Forces

 roles  Approve violence against women; accept rape myths  Perceive behavior inaccurately  History of own abuse, promiscuity  Alcohol abuse competition, aggression  Women submission  Acceptance of violence  Aggressive pornography

Consequences of Rape and Sexual Abuse      Trauma response   Immediate shock Long-term problems  Depression Physical injury STDs General ill health Negative behaviors

Preventing and Treating Rape and Abuse  Community services   Underfunded Few for men   Routine screening Validation of experience  Safety planning

Stress  Related to   Illness Unhealthy behavior  Caused or worsened by   Low SES Challenges of early adulthood

Fostering a Healthy Adult Life   Healthy eating Maintain reasonable weight      Keep fit Control alcohol No smoking Responsible sex Manage stress

The College Experience  Formative, influential “developmental testing ground”  Exposure to new ideas, beliefs, demands leads to cognitive growth, new thinking patterns  Relativistic thinking  Increased self-understanding  Depends on participation in campus life

Dropping Out of College   30-50% drop out Personal factors  Preparation, motivation, skills  Financial problems, low SES  Institutional factors  Little help, community  Cultural disrespect

Periods of Vocational Development  Fantasy period  Tentative period  Realistic period  Exploration  Crystallization

Factors Influencing Vocational Choice  Personality  Family influences  Teachers  Gender stereotypes  Access to vocational information

Personality Types and Vocational Choice       Investigative Social Realistic Artistic Conventional Enterprising

Vocational Preparation of Non College-Bound

North American high-school graduates poorly prepared to work



Lack vocational placement, counseling

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Fewer opportunities than in past



Limited jobs

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Work-study, apprenticeships can help

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Rare in North America

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Europe has model systems