Conduct a forty-five- to sixty-minute live observation of a young adult. In addition to conducting an observation, you may also choose to interview the young adult. Keep in mind the following guidelines: Write a 3- to 4-page detailed description of the young adult’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. What would developmental theorists say about the cognitive and the psychosocial development of the young adult? In addition, include the following information: Purchase the answer to view it
Title: A Detailed Description of the Physical, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Development of a Young Adult
Introduction:
The observation conducted in this study focuses on a young adult, aged 20-25 years. This crucial stage of development is characterized by significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes. By observing and considering these aspects, this report aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the young adult’s development. Additionally, this analysis will outline the viewpoints of developmental theorists regarding cognitive and psychosocial development during this stage of life.
Physical Development:
Physical development during young adulthood is marked by stability and refinement. In terms of height and growth, young adults have typically reached their maximum height by this stage. However, small variations in physical appearance and muscle tone can occur due to differences in lifestyle choices, genetics, and physical activity levels.
In this observation, the young adult being studied displayed a well-proportioned physique, with a good balance of muscle mass and body fat. This is consistent with the average physical development of young adults. The individual exhibited appropriate weight in relation to their height, suggesting a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise routine.
Motor skills are typically well-developed in young adulthood, allowing individuals to engage in complex movements with precision and coordination. During the observation, the young adult displayed exceptional motor skills while participating in various physical activities. This proficiency reflects the refinement and mastery of motor skills that occur during this developmental stage.
Cognitive Development:
According to developmental theorists, cognitive development during young adulthood is characterized by the acquisition of abstract thinking abilities and the development of formal operational reasoning. Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development states that individuals in this stage can engage in hypothetical-deductive reasoning and think in a systematic and logical manner.
The young adult observed demonstrated advanced cognitive abilities, indicating the attainment of formal operational thinking. During a conversation, the individual engaged in complex reasoning, considering multiple perspectives and evaluating potential outcomes before reaching a conclusion. This ability to think critically and solve complex problems is indicative of the cognitive advancement characteristic of young adulthood.
Psychosocial Development:
Psychosocial development during young adulthood is primarily focused on establishing a sense of personal identity, forming intimate relationships, and achieving independence. Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory suggests that young adults face the developmental task of intimacy versus isolation. Successful resolution of this task involves forming intimate, meaningful relationships, while a failure to do so may result in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The young adult observed appeared socially confident and demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain friendships. During interactions with others, the individual displayed empathetic behavior, actively listening and engaging in reciprocal communication. This suggests the successful resolution of Erikson’s intimacy versus isolation stage.
In addition to forming intimate relationships, young adulthood is a period of developing one’s identity. Psychosocial development theorists, such as James Marcia, propose that individuals navigate through identity crises to establish a clear and authentic sense of self. This involves exploring different roles and identities before ultimately committing to a particular path.
In the observation, the individual demonstrated a strong sense of self and a clear understanding of personal preferences, goals, and values. This self-assuredness and clarity in identity align with the developmental stage of young adulthood, indicating that the individual has successfully navigated the identity exploration process.
Theoretical Perspectives on Cognitive and Psychosocial Development:
Developmental theorists provide valuable insights into the cognitive and psychosocial development of young adults. Piaget’s theory highlights the importance of formal operational thinking and the ability to engage in hypothetical-deductive reasoning during this stage of development. The observations made in this study align with Piaget’s theory, as the observed individual displayed advanced cognitive abilities, including complex reasoning.
Erikson’s psychosocial theory emphasizes the significance of forming intimate relationships during young adulthood. The observed individual’s ability to establish and maintain friendships exemplifies the successful resolution of the intimacy versus isolation stage. Additionally, the individual’s clear sense of self and understanding of personal identity align with Marcia’s identity development theory.
Conclusion:
The observation conducted on a young adult aged 20-25 years provided valuable insights into their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. The individual displayed a well-developed physique, advanced cognitive abilities, and strong psychosocial traits, such as the ability to form intimate relationships and establish a clear sense of personal identity. These observations are congruent with the theories of developmental psychologists and contribute to our understanding of the developmental journey during young adulthood.
