Introduction: This Writer's View On Emerging Adults

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This paper aims to analyze the physical, cognitive, social, moral, and emotional development of Penny, an emerging adult aged 19, as she navigates this critical life stage. The discussion is supported by peer-reviewed scholarly articles, primarily focusing on the theories of Erik Erikson and other developmental psychologists relevant to emerging adulthood. Penny's physical development encompasses her ongoing maturation, reflecting Erikson's stage of physical development for emerging adults. Her physical attributes include being approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. She is physically active, energetic, and currently pursuing a nursing degree while working at medical facilities, indicating her focus on career exploration and personal growth.

The subsequent sections will explore Penny’s cognitive, social, emotional, and moral developments, providing a comprehensive view of her growth during this pivotal period.

Paper For Above instruction

Emerging adulthood, typically defined as the age range of 18 to 25 years, is characterized by significant developmental changes across multiple domains. This stage is marked by an exploration of identity, increased independence, and a transition from adolescence to full-fledged adulthood. According to Arnett (2000), emerging adults often experience identity exploration in love, work, and worldview, which fosters their journey toward self-definition. Penny exemplifies these characteristics through her academic pursuits and career exploration, highlighting the importance of this developmental phase.

Physical Development

Penny’s physical development aligns with Erikson’s stage of physical growth for emerging adults, where individuals reach full physical maturity. This period involves the continued development of muscle strength, reproductive organs, hormonal regulation, and physical resilience (Belsky, 2019). Penny exhibits signs of this maturity through her active lifestyle, indicating good physical health and energy levels. While most physical growth stabilizes at this stage, some minor changes, such as slight height or weight fluctuations, may occur. Her pursuit of a physically demanding field like nursing underscores her physical preparedness and resilience.

Cognitive Development

During emerging adulthood, cognitive development is marked by increased capacity for abstract thinking, problem-solving, and planning. According to Arnett (2000), young adults develop improved executive functioning, enabling them to engage in future-oriented thinking and complex decision-making. Penny demonstrates advanced cognitive development through her pursuit of higher education and her ability to balance coursework with employment at medical facilities. Her decision-making skills are evident as she evaluates her career options and seeks specialized knowledge in nursing. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development suggests that this stage involves formal operational thinking, which allows Penny to think critically about her future and reflect on her personal goals (Piaget, 1972).

Social Development

Socially, emerging adults explore various relationships and role identities outside of their family circle. Erikson’s psychosocial theory emphasizes the conflict of intimacy versus isolation, where young adults seek meaningful connections and develop a sense of belonging (Erikson, 1968). Penny’s social interactions include friendships, peer groups, and her professional relationships within medical settings. Her engagement in teamwork and collaboration highlights her evolving social skills. Emerging adults often experiment with different social roles to find their identity, and Penny’s active involvement in both academic and work environments reflects this exploration and development of social competence.

Emotional Development

Emotionally, this stage involves gaining greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Laible and Thompson (2000) highlight that emerging adults increasingly understand complex emotions and develop empathy, which enhances their interpersonal relationships. Penny’s emotional stability is indicated by her focus on her education and career goals, suggesting an emerging sense of self-efficacy. As she navigates the challenges of balancing work and study, she practices resilience and adapts to new emotional experiences. Emotional maturity during this stage supports her in managing stress and developing a stronger sense of identity and independence.

Moral Development

Moral development in emerging adulthood encompasses a transition from external authority to internal moral reasoning. Kohlberg’s stages of moral development describe how individuals progress from obedience-based reasoning to principled reasoning based on universal ethical principles (Kohlberg, 1984). Penny’s engagement in healthcare, a field rooted in ethical practices and caring for others, reflects her internalization of moral values such as compassion, responsibility, and integrity. Her professional activities and personal choices demonstrate her developing capacity for moral reasoning aligned with societal and personal ethical standards.

Conclusion

Penny exemplifies the development characteristics typical of emerging adults, including physical maturity, cognitive sophistication, social exploration, emotional resilience, and moral reasoning. Her pursuit of higher education and career development indicates her active engagement in this transformative phase. Understanding her journey through these developmental domains provides insight into the complex and dynamic nature of emerging adulthood, emphasizing its significance in shaping well-rounded, self-directed adults.

References

• Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469-480.
• Belsky, J. (2019). Developmental Psychopathology (6th ed.). Wiley.
• Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: Lawrence Kohlberg's studies in moral development. Harper & Row.
• Laible, D., & Thompson, R. A. (2000). Mother–child discourse, attachment, and ego development. Developmental Psychology, 36(4), 429–438.
• Piaget, J. (1972). The Phases of the Moral Development. In S. B. White (Ed.), Moral Development and Moral Education. Harper & Row.