Early Adulthood (19-45)

• Physical development

  physical strength peaks between 19-28

  reaction time and manual dexterity are also at their peak.

  motor coordination and hand eye coordination are at their peak.

  may loose some strength and speed.
• Pregnancy and lactation

  Pregnancy hormones cause mood changes and hormones increase during pregnancy.

  Progesterone maintains pregnancy.

  Oestrogen can cause morning sickness.

  Hormones affect shape and appearance of the breasts - darken veins due to increased blood supply.

  Nipples and areolas darken and breasts become more sensitive and tender, preparing breasts to produce milk.
• What is perimenopause?

  Happens in women's 40's

  Ovaries begin to make less oestrogen so they stop producing an egg each month.

  Lasts on average 4 years but can vary from months to 10 years.

  Perimenopause ends when a woman has not had a period for 12 months and then it menopause.

  Reduction in oestrogen causes physical and emotional symptoms.
• What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

  Hot flushes and night sweats

  Irregular or very heavy periods

  Mood swings

  Trouble sleeping

  Discomfort during sex

  Loss of libido (sex dive)
• Intellectual development

  Development of logical thought, problem solving and memory recall skills.

  Apply knowledge, skills and experience they have gained during their life. Helps them to think logically and find realistic answers.

  Likely to be in a job role that require them to think through problems and make decisions - relating to complex situations.

  New brain cells continue to grow and develop.
• Emotional development - Self esteem

  Self esteem is influenced by lifestyle such as job or marital status.

  Career developments and other personal achievements will increase persons self worth while stress + like events that are difficult to cope with can result in lack of confidence + negative self esteem.
• Emotional development - Self image

  Self image is affected by personal appearance + how others see you. Self image can also be affected by life events + social roles. Influence how others see us + how we define ourselves. Roles such as learner, parent or member of a football team not only help others to recognise the status of an individual.

  Life events, roles and status influence a personal traits that can be important part of self image.

  Younger people tend to describe themselves in terms of personal traits 'I am generous'. Whereas older people feel defined by social status 'I am a nurse'
• Social development

  Friendships are very important, dominated by forming intimate partnerships and by the need to find employment/establish a career.

  Marriage and parenthood represent major social developments in their life.

  Friendships can help people avoid loneliness, provide a sense of belonging, a sense of self worth and self confidence.

  Can lead to reduction of stress and depression and a boost of happiness.

  Friendships may take a back seat due to changing circumstances. Other priorities - job, children, marriage, partners