Established Adulthood: A New Conception of Ages 30 to 45.

In developed countries, the years from Age 30 to 45 are, for many, the most intense, demanding, and rewarding years of adult life. During this period of the life span most adults must negotiate the intersecting demands of progressing in a chosen career, maintaining an intimate partnership, and carin...

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Published in:American Psychologist Vol. 75; no. 4; pp. 431 - 445
Main Authors: Mehta, Clare M., Arnett, Jeffrey Jensen, Palmer, Carlie G., Nelson, Larry J.
Format: Article
Published: American Psychological Association May2020
Subjects:
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: May2020
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      pub: American Psychological Association
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        10.1037/amp0000600
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        atl: Established Adulthood: A New Conception of Ages 30 to 45.
      aug:
        au:
          Mehta, Clare M.
          Arnett, Jeffrey Jensen
          Palmer, Carlie G.
          Nelson, Larry J.
        affil:
          Department of Psychology, Emmanuel College, and Division for Adolescent Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
          Department of Psychology, Clark University
          Department of Family Life, Brigham Young University
      su:
        Cognition
        Health status indicators
        Mental health
        Psychology
        Sex distribution
        Social classes
        Vocational guidance
        Social responsibility
        Well-being
        Work-life balance
        Conceptual structures
        Developmental psychobiology
        Theory
      sug:
        subj:
          Cognition
          Health status indicators
          Mental health
          Psychology
          Sex distribution
          Social classes
          Vocational guidance
          Social responsibility
          Well-being
          Work-life balance
          Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)
          Vocational Rehabilitation Services
          Conceptual structures
          Developmental psychobiology
          Theory
      keyword:
        adulthood
        developmental theory
        lifespan development
        psychosocial development
        work-life balance
        adulthood
        developmental theory
        lifespan development
        psychosocial development
        work-life balance
      ab: In developed countries, the years from Age 30 to 45 are, for many, the most intense, demanding, and rewarding years of adult life. During this period of the life span most adults must negotiate the intersecting demands of progressing in a chosen career, maintaining an intimate partnership, and caring for children. Successes or difficulties in meeting these simultaneous demands have the potential to profoundly influence the direction of a person's adult life. As such, we believe that it is of critical importance to better understand this developmental period that we call established adulthood. This article provides a new theoretical conceptualization of established adulthood, outlining its distinctiveness from emerging adulthood and midlife in terms of physical health, well-being, cognitive development, and the career-and-care-crunch of competing work and family responsibilities. We also consider variations in the timing and experience of established adulthood, including variations by gender and social class, and provide suggestions for future research. As economic and social arrangements continue to evolve, so too will this developmental period, providing fertile ground for developmental theory and research. Public Significance Statement: This article provides a new theoretical conceptualization of established adulthood, the period from 30–45. The article distinguishes established adulthood from emerging adulthood and midlife in terms of physical health, well-being, cognitive development, and the career-and-care-crunch of competing work and family responsibilities. Because successes or difficulties in handling the intensity of the intersection of work and family demands have the potential to profoundly influence the direction of a person's adult life, a better understanding of this developmental period may promote policy, programs, or therapeutic interventions to support established adults as they navigate what may be one of the most intense and demanding periods of the life span.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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