Adult Life Stages, Essay Example

The early adulthood stage is considered the ages between 17 and 45 years old.  This stage has been defined by psychologists like Erik Erikson to be dominated by the feelings of intimacy and isolation.  As individuals grow, they begin to seek out more companions and love.  This is also the age that adults start their families.  If during this stage an adult finds happiness, love and contentment in their relationships during this stage, then “intimacy is experienced on a deep level.  If not, then isolation and distance from others may occur.”  (Harder, 2009)  The most significant relationships during this time are with marital partners and friends.

Middle adulthood is typically defined as the ages between 40 and 45 years old.  This stage in an adult’s life is dominated by the feelings of generativity versus stagnation.  Generativity is the significant task of perpetuating culture and transmitting values of the culture though the family.  Individuals show a strong desire to be creative and be occupied with meaningful work and issues surrounding the family. (Harder, 2009).  If this time during an adult’s life is not successful, they may face a struggle and a mid-life crisis.  This can lead one to be self-absorbed and stagnate.  “Relationships during this time are focused on work, family, and community.” (Harder, 2009)

The last adult stage is late adulthood, which is defined from 65 years old until death.  Integrity versus despair are the emotions guiding this stage.  If an adult at is stage can look back at their life and feel satisfied, then they will feel integrity. This would mean that one feels that they have made a contribution to life. However, if an adult looks back at this stage and sees failure, they will feel despair.  They may feel like they have all the answers and end up with a strong dogmatism that only their view has been correct.  This will also lead to despair and fail to give their life meaning.  “The most significant relationship during this time is with all of mankind.”  (Harder, 2009)

References

Christiansen, Shawn L., Palkovitz, Rob. (2007). Exploring Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development: Generativity and its relationship to paternal identity, intimacy, and involvement in childcare.  The Journal of Men’s Studies. 7(1), 133-156.

Harder, Arlene F., The developmental stages of Erik Erikson, 2009. Retrieved from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm