Unit 7 Discussion Human behavior and the enviroment

Young adulthood covers the time period between 23 to 39 years of age. The challenges associated with this transitional stage of life have led to the development of a stage of life now referred to as emerging adulthood. In this stage, a variety of changes occur physically, psychologically, and socially. To prepare for this discussion, review "Exhibit 8.1: Levinson's eight stages of adult development" (found on page 351 in your text) and watch the two videos that focus on the transition out of foster care and some of the new federal programs that are supporting young adults during this transition. Please respond to the following: Identify which life stage you are in and discuss if it is accurate to your present life circumstances. Why or why not? Identify at least three specific challenges that young adults who are aging out of the foster care system face. Discuss three ways that a human service professional can support young adults who are transitioning out of the foster care system. https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=bNvQVxQuZpI https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=MVsSKQ6ZbXM https://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=PDameVn7CDM Exhibit 8.1 Levinson (1978) was instrumental in developing a theory of adult development. On the basis of intensive interviews with adult men at different stages in the life cycle, Levinson set forth his ideas about the stages adults go through. More recently he has expanded his theory to include adult women (Levinson, 1986); Levinson outlined eight developmental stages in young and middle adulthood. Fundamental to his theory is his notion of “life structure.” A life structure represents a basic pattern of an adult’s life at a particular time. A person’s life structure reflects the choices a person makes, such as marriage, childrearing, career, and so forth. According to Levinson, the stages of the adult life cycle alternate between stability and turmoil and transition. The stages are summarized as follows: Ages 17–22: Leave adolescence; make preliminary choices for adult life. Ages 22–28: Initial choices in love, occupation, friendship, values, and lifestyle. Ages 28–33: change in life structure, either a moderate change or, more often, a severe and stressful crisis. Ages 33–40: Establish a niche in society; progress on a timetable, both in family and in career accomplishments. Ages 40–45: Life structure comes into question; usually a time of crisis in the meaning, direction, and value of each person’s life; neglected parts of the self (talents, desires, aspirations) seek expression. Ages 45–50: Choices must be made and a new life structure formed; the person must commit to new tasks. Ages 50–55: Further questioning and modification of the life structure; men who did not have a crisis at age 40 are likely to have one now. Ages 55–60: Build a new life structure; can be a time of great fulfillment. My life stage is between 33 and 40