Hutchison, Dimensions of Human Behavior, 6e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
Lecture Notes
Chapter 7: Young Adulthood
Learning Objectives
7.1: Compare one’s own emotional and cognitive reactions to three case studies.
7.2: Define young adulthood.
7.3: Analyze the merits of three theoretical approaches to young adulthood (Erikson’s
psychosocial approach, Levinson’s theory of life structure, and Arnett’s theory of
emerging adulthood).
7.4: Summarize the major themes in physical functioning in young adulthood.
Chapter Summary
As you read this chapter, take note of these central ideas:
1. A new phase called “emerging adulthood” (ages 18–25) has been proposed as a time
2. Traditional transitional markers associated with young adulthood have included
obtaining independent housing, establishing a career, developing significant
3. In young adulthood, cognitive capacities become more flexible; “moral conscience”
4. Identity development continues into adulthood and is not static, but is dynamic and
ever evolving through significant interpersonal relationships.
5. Young adults struggle with the Eriksonian psychosocial crisis of intimacy versus
oneself in the process.
Hutchison, Dimensions of Human Behavior, 6e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
6. Labor force experience and connection in young adulthood is associated with
Annotated Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
A. Case Studies 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3
i. 7.1 Caroline Sanders as a Transgender Young Adult
II. A Definition of Young Adulthood
A. Ages 18–40
B. Difficulty defining young adulthood
i. Traditional markers have changed
III. Theoretical Approaches to Young Adulthood
A. Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory
i. Intimacy versus isolation
B. Levinson’s Theory of Life Structure
i. Life structure: the outcome resulting from specific decisions and
choices made along the life course in such areas as relationships,
C. Arnett’s Emerging Adulthood
i. Emerging adulthood: developmental phase distinct from both
adolescence and young adulthood, occurring from ages 18 to 25 in
industrialized societies
Hutchison, Dimensions of Human Behavior, 6e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
growth opportunities in intellectual, occupational, and psychosocial
domains.
vi. Cultural and Social Class Variations
a. Emerging adulthood theory recognizes diversity
V. The Psychological Self
A. Cognitive Development
i. Expanding, refining, and challenging existing belief systems
B. Spiritual Development
i. Spirituality: a focus on that which gives meaning, purpose, and
direction to one’s life
ii. Develops in three dimensions:
a. Cognition
C. Identity Development
i. Identity is dynamic, open, and flexible
ii. Gender differences
iii. Factors which can influence self-esteem:
a. Marriage
Hutchison, Dimensions of Human Behavior, 6e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
a. School and family problems during adolescence
b. Unstable employment
B. Relationship Development in Young Adulthood
i. Intimacy: a sense of warmth or closeness
a. Interdependence with another person
b. Self-disclosure
iv. Romantic Relationships
a. Romantic love: a relationship that is sexually oriented, is
“spontaneous and voluntary,” and occurs between equal
partners
b. Lust
v. Parenthood
a. Multiple role transitions mark entry into parenthood
b. Adjustment to parenthood and successful role reorganization
depend on five dimensions:
a. Individual factors
b. Quality of partners’ relationship
Hutchison, Dimensions of Human Behavior, 6e
SAGE Publishing, 2019
vi. Mentoring and Volunteering
a. Young adults may be both mentors and mentees
b. Mentoring can help young adults move through the adulthood
transition
vii. Young Adults and Technology
viii. Work and the Labor Market
a. Decline in labor market involvement for young adults
b. 2000–2010 the “lost decade”
VII. Risk Factors and Protective Factors in Young Adulthood
i. Exhibit 7.6 Common Core Protective Factors Predicting Adult
Adaptation
VIII. Implications for Social Work Practice