Cognitive Development Of Early Adulthood

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Throughout this paper I discuss the development of early adulthood. First, I describe cognitive development and show how it is seen in one of the characters from the movie Age 21 in America. Next, I describe the emotional and social development for early adults. I explain the different changes within these major developments. Among the cognitive development emerges relativistic thinking and among the emotional and social development is found resilience, psychological development and the development of love. Throughout the essay I provide examples on how each of these changes are presented in the characters shown in the movie.
I will begin by defining cognitive development. According to Piaget the Cognitive Developmental Theory, refers to “the
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According to Erikson, the psychosocial conflict of early adulthood is intimacy versus isolation. To put in his words “it is reflected in the young person’s thoughts and feelings about making a permanent commitment to an intimate partner” (Berk, 2014, p 374). To have intimacy is to redefine one identity and to consider both partners’ values and interests. Without this intimacy adults face the negative outcome of loneliness and self-absorption. Erikson believed that reaching success between intimacy and isolation is very essential as it will prepare adults for the next stage in life. Two people that are shown in the movie that have successfully worked through this conflict are Douglas and Ashtyn. They both showed commitment to intimate partners. Both decided to live together with their girlfriends. Their main priorities were their families. However, one person struggling with this conflict is Mike. He talks about how everything is mostly about competing with each other. He also mentions that he does not has a girlfriend and that he has trouble holding on with girls. These are examples of what makes Mike become isolated from the rest of the people. He is basically …show more content…
Finding an intimate partner is affected by many different factors. In order to find out of two partners belong together, to put it in simple word are in love, three main components should be identified within the relationship. Robert Sternberg’s came up with the Triangular Theory of Love to explain these components. Intimacy, passion and commitment are important in the development of romantic relationships. “Intimacy is the emotional component, it involves warm, tender communication expression of concern about the other’s well-being and a desire for the partner to reciprocate” (Berk, 2014, p. 377). According to Sternberg passion is the desire for sexual activity and romance, and commitment is what leads a partner to decide that they are in love and to maintain that love. This love theory relates to Ashtyn, as his relationship identifies the three main components of love. He and his girlfriend are committed to live together on their own. In the movie it was seen how they both seemed to care about each other. Lastly, they mentioned how they want to remain together and form a family once they are given the opportunity to travel as much as they