Psychology Report: Health, Emerging Adulthood, Erikson's Theory

This report delves into the psychological aspects of health, focusing on the stage of emerging adulthood and its correlation with Erikson's psychosocial theory of development. The report highlights the key characteristics of emerging adulthood, such as instability, self-focus, and the exploration of possibilities, and contrasts it with both the developed and developing nations. It connects this stage with Erikson's young adulthood phase, emphasizing the importance of relationships and intimacy. The report explores the psychological strengths associated with this stage and the potential for isolation if these needs are not met. It references relevant studies and theories, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. The report examines the importance of social and psychological conditions during this period and their link to the development of identity, relationships, and overall well-being.

Running head: HEALTH: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Health: A Psychological Perspective
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HEALTH: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Emerging adulthood has been reckoned as a phase in an individual’s life spanning from
age 18 to 25 years that falls within the period encompassing late adolescence and early
adulthood. It has been designated as the age of identity exploration characterized by vital
attributes such as instability, self-focus, sense of plethora of possibilities for the future alongside
feeling in between adolescence and adulthood. This proposed distinctive stage has been found to
vary significantly between developed and developing nations (Arnett, 2014). The normative
social in addition to the psychological conditions are depicted by virtue of this stage that may be
further equated and corroborated with the Erikson’s psychosocial theory of development which
aims to emphasize on personality build up from childhood to adulthood through consideration of
the external factors, society and parents (Syed, 2015). As per Erikson’s theory, a person’s life
cycle is divisible into eight interrelated stages that a person must pass through during his or her
lifetime. The age group for emerging adulthood may be related to the young adulthood phase as
described by Erikson. In this age group of young adulthood, people tend to seek companionship
and love whereby psychological strengths rest on these virtues primarily. A crisis for intimacy
over isolation often engulfs this vulnerable group. They are on the lookout for satisfying
relationships and deep intimacy at this phase and in case of non-conformance to such ambitions,
isolation might occur. Associations and bonding tend to be stronger with the marital partner and
friends through nurturing (Dunkel & Harbke, 2017). Thus, it may be said that emerging
adulthood and Erikson’s stage of young adult is essentially interrelated.

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HEALTH: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
References
Arnett, J. J. (2014). Adolescence and emerging adulthood. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Dunkel, C. S., & Harbke, C. (2017). A review of measures of Erikson’s stages of psychosocial
development: Evidence for a general factor. Journal of Adult Development, 24(1), 58-76.
Syed, M. (2015). Emerging adulthood: Developmental stage, theory, or nonsense. The Oxford
handbook of emerging adulthood, 11-25.