Transcript Developmental Psychology: Early Adulthood

Chapter 17:
Biosocial Development in
Early Adulthood
Michael Hoerger
Death


Deaths due to disease are low in early
adulthood, increase with age
Violent deaths peak in early adulthood




Car accidents, homicide, and suicide
Lower overall rates for Asian Americans
Higher homicide rates for African
Americans
Higher suicide rates for Native American
males
Senescence





Definition: gradual physical decline due to
aging
Maximum life-span = 120 years old
Evolutionary theory: Species must only
survive long enough to reproduce
Declines vary by age, person, and culture
Skin, eyes, and lungs = 20; speed and
agility = 25; hair = 30
Fertility



1/6 couples are infertile
Infertility in males: fever, drugs,
alcohol, smoking, stress, environmental
toxins, undescended testicle
Infertility in females: drug use, under
weight, over weight, pelvic inflammatory
disease (blocked fallopian tube) often
caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia
and gonorrhea
Advice for Early Adulthood




Use ear protection for power equipment,
and avoid headphones
Maintain a target weight via a balanced
diet (include some fats), 4 to 5 servings of
fruits and vegetables a day (mix colors)
Develop a sustainable exercise routine,
including cardio and strength training
Floss and seek regular dental care







Use daily sunscreen, 365 days a year
Find a way to manage stress by matching
lifestyle to talents and interests
Build relationship skills
Involvement in engaging activities, like
community projects or politics
Know your body and what to look for, selfexams for breast and testicular cancer
Avoid pesticides, wash produce
Minimal to no smoking or drinking
Michael Hoerger


To cite this textbook:
Berger, K. (2005). The developing person
through the lifespan. New York: Worth.
To cite this lecture:
Hoerger, M. (2007, March 21).
Developmental Psychology: Earl
Adulthood Biosocial Development.
Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central
Michigan University.