Module 22 : Developing Into

Adulthood

Student Objectives:
To understand physical development into adulthood
To understand how cognitive changes develop into
adulthood
To learn about the emotional development into adulthood
To understand about behavioural development as an adult

22.1 Introduction
Thus far in this module, we have covered
growth and development from childhood to
adolescence, and this final module will
examine the transition from adolescence into
adulthood.

Human development is a lifelong process, and physical,

cognitive, behavioural, and emotional growth continues
throughout our lives. During this growth process, we are all
developing values and attitudes that guide our choices, our
understanding, and our relationships. All stages of
development feature different markers, and as we move through
this module, we will examine the changes that occur as a child
grows into an adult.

22.2 Physical Development Into

Adulthood
Though anyone could argue that the biggest
physical changes we go through as humans
occurs during adolescence, just because a
person is an adult doesn’t mean that the
body does not continue to grow.

In fact, the body continues to grow well into our 60s and 70s,
and in some cases, even longer. Physical development into
adulthood is divided into early adulthood, middle adulthood,
and late adulthood.

Early Adulthood
Early adulthood takes place when a person is between the ages
of around 20 to 35. During this phase, physically, a person
might still grow a bit taller, and if they do not practice
good health with exercise, they also might add more weight.
There are still hormonal changes that are occurring, too, but
these effects are much less pronounced during this stage of
development than during adolescence. Overall, this is the
stage of physical development that is the least dramatic.

Middle Adulthood
Middle adulthood takes place roughly between the ages of
around 35 to 65. During this time, physically, we might notice
changes again. One of the most noticeable things that we
notice is that our skin becomes less elastic and fine lines
are developing. Weight gain is also more noticeable during
this time period, especially if someone doesn’t watch what
they eat and get enough exercise.

Late Adulthood
By the time most of us hit the age of 65, we will be in late
adulthood. More pronounced wrinkles are seen on the body, and
we might develop age spots on the skin. Reaction time often
slows, and eyesight often gets poorer. Additionally, we lose
bone mass and cognitive function as we age.

FACT

Most would say that the majority of our physical growth occurs
during adolescence. Remarkably, our bodies continue to grow
and develop well into our later years.

Source: CPD

22.3 Cognitive Development into

Adulthood
There is a lot of debate among psychologists
about whether or not there should be a
formal cognitive stage for early adulthood.

As you have learned throughout this course, the early stages

of cognitive development often result in dramatic changes, but
by the time a person gets into early adulthood, much of the
essential brain growth has already occurred, and individuals
are now using their brains to their full capabilities…or are
we?

There are many researchers who point to the continuous changes

that the brain undergoes in adulthood, and these researchers
believe that there is a need for another specific stage of
cognitive development.

For instance, the frontal lobes of the brain’s cerebral cortex

are changing constantly. This area is where functions such as
planning, judgement, speaking, and planning are done. This is
also where muscle response occurs. This area of the brain
continues to grow well into our 20s.
Even Jean Piaget recognised that brain growth and development
occurs throughout early adulthood, and in his research, he
found that there was a marked difference between the way
adolescents and adults think.

For instance, adults have more flexibility in their thinking

patterns than adolescents do, and adults understand things
that adolescents struggle with, such as understanding that
there is more than one way to solve a problem, or that there
is more than one opinion about issues.
Young adults can synthesise situations that are complex and
contradictory, but generally, this doesn’t fully occur until
they are in their early to mid-20s. Additionally, young adults
are not set on finding the absolute truth, unlike adolescents.
These people will also move into more adult roles, they will
have more adult responsibilities, such as paying household
bills, and working towards establishing their career goals.
These people also develop new hobbies, skills, and adult
interests.
22.4 Emotional Development into
Adulthood
We mentioned Erik Erikson’s theories on
emotional development in module 2 of this
course, and if you remember, he believed
that emotionally, we develop in different
stages, and by the time we reach adulthood,
we have a need to form intimate
relationships.

Erikson modelled his theories on the work of Sigmund Freud,

who theorised that a healthy adult is characterised by their
ability to love and work.

Intimacy certainly comes into play here, too, but that doesn’t
necessarily mean sexual intimacy. Instead, intimacy can be
actualised through friendships, family, romance, or all three.
Erikson believed that adults must have a firm sense of
identity, which should have been developed in early stages, in
order to enter into an intimate relationship. Research has
since supported this theory.

Studies show that those who do not have a strong sense of

their own identity have relationships that are less
satisfactory as they are emotionally isolated, depressed, and
lonely. Depression is a concern for those in their 20s and
30s, and most people who are diagnosed with major depression
are diagnosed during this stage of life.
Most young adults during this stage of emotional development
will create an adult relationship with their parents, see
their peers as less important when it comes to their
behaviour, feel empathy for others, and they become more
intimate with others. Additionally, these people will
establish their own body image and their values.
22.5 Behavioural Development into
Adulthood
When it comes to behaviour development, by
the time a person transitions from
adolescence to adulthood, their behaviour is
typically set.

However, this does not mean that they cannot suffer from
abnormal behavioural conditions. It is quite common, in fact,
for behavioural disorders to develop in adulthood. In
addition, there are many people who have been diagnosed with
behavioural disorders during childhood who transition to
adulthood successfully, i.e. hold a job and maintain
relationships. Some of these behavioural disorders include
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, emotional behaviour
disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a
condition that is known to impair a person’s ability to
control behaviours.

Males are two to three times more likely to develop this

condition than women, and this condition can develop in
adulthood, though it is more often associated with children.
Approximately 70 percent of children who have been diagnosed
with ADHD will continue to struggle with the condition once
they enter into adulthood.

Emotional Behavioural Disorder

Emotional behavioural disorder affects the ability to be
happy, to control emotions, and to pay attention. Symptoms of
this condition include inappropriate actions or emotions for
the environment, learning difficulties that have no other
cause, and difficulties with personal relationships. Those
with emotional behavioural disorder also are often unhappy and
depressed, and might have feelings of fear and anxiety about
school or work.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is common in children, but there
are some adults who will have the condition, too. These adults
are often angry at the world, they regularly lose their
temper, and defend themselves even when there is concrete
evidence to the contrary. These people often feel as if
everyone dislikes them, and they often feel pushed around by
friends, family and peers.

Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion that we all feel at some point, though
for some, it begins to interfere with their daily lives. This
condition is often diagnosed in adults, and it can cause
issues with performance at work.

There are a number conditions that cause anxiety, including

the following:

Panic disorder
Generalised anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is characterised by
irrational thoughts and fear that leads to obsessions. These,
in turn, cause the person to have compulsions. Those who have
OCD often engage in repetitive behaviours despite the negative
consequences of the actions. These actions relieve stress
temporarily, but they do not solve the underlying issue.
22.6 The Causes of Behavioural
Disorders
There are a number of known causes of behavioural disorders,
and many can be traced back to biological factors.

These include:

Malnutrition
Heredity
Physical illness
Brain damage

There are also causes of behavioural disorders that are

related to a person’s environment, which is often their home
life.

These include:

Coercion from parents

Divorce
Unhealthy discipline style
Poor attitude towards schooling or work

22.7 The Signs and Symptoms of

Behavioural Disorders
Those who have behavioural disorders often act out or display
behaviours that upset others.

These signs vary from person to person, however. There are

also emotional symptoms of behavioural issues, which include
the following:

Appearing angry
Easily getting nervous or annoyed
Arguing or throwing temper tantrums
Putting blame on other people
 Refusing to follow the rules
Difficulties with handling frustration

There are also physical symptoms of behavioural disorders,

which is unusual when it comes to psychological disorders.

These physical symptoms include:

Headaches, rash, or fever

Shaking, bloodshot eyes, or burnt fingertips, which
could indicate substance abuse

Take a Quick Recap Test

22.8 The Effects of Behavioural

Disorder
If not treated, behavioural disorders can
have negative short and long-term effects on
the person’s personal and professional life.

People might get into trouble at work, for instance, and they
often eventually lose jobs. Marriages might fall apart due to
the strain on relationships, as these people often start
fights, threaten others, or might abuse animals.

Assignment
Developing Into Adulthood

Time: 30+ minutes

Now it is time to put what you have learnt in this module to
the test. Work your way through this worksheet and do your
best to fully participate in every activity set.

Download the worksheet below, print out and complete.

Download Worksheet (pdf)

Conclusion
This module shows that we never stop growing and developing,
even as we age into adulthood. Our bodies, brains, and psyches
all continue to evolve, even until we are well into our sixth
decade of life. It is also possible for people to grow and
develop normally throughout their childhoods, and then develop
new conditions, especially those associated with behaviour. As
you have learned from this course, our development is never
ending, and is highly complex. It is impossible to learn all
about child psychology from a single course, but you should
have enough information from this course to continue your
studies in the future.

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