Growth and Development, Ages
18 and Over—What Parents Need to Know
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Human development is a lifelong process of physical, behavioral, cognitive,
and emotional growth and change. In the early stages of life—from babyhood
to childhood, childhood to adolescence, and adolescence to adulthood—enormous
changes take place. Throughout the process, each person develops attitudes
and values that guide choices, relationships, and understanding.
Sexuality is also a lifelong process. Infants, children, teens, and adults
are sexual beings. Just as it is important to enhance a young adult's physical,
emotional, and cognitive growth, so it is important to lay foundations for
his/her sexual growth. Adults have a responsibility to help young people understand
and accept their evolving sexuality.
Each stage of development encompasses specific markers. The following developmental
guidelines apply to most youth in this age group. However, each young person
is an individual and may reach these stages of development earlier or later
than others the same age. When concerns arise about a specific young adult's
development, parents or other caregivers should consult a doctor or other developmental
professional.
Physical Development
Most young adults aged 18 and over will:
- Complete the process of physical maturation, usually
attaining full adult height [Secondary sexual characteristics,
such as size of penis and breasts, are completed.]
Cognitive Development
Most young adults aged
18 and over will:
- Move into adult roles and
responsibilities and may learn a trade, work, and/or
pursue higher education
- Fully understand abstract
concepts and be aware of consequences and personal
limitations
- Identify career goals and
prepare to achieve them
- Secure their autonomy and
build and test their decision making skills
- Develop new skills, hobbies, and adult interests
Emotional Development
Most young adults aged
18 and over will:
- Move into adult relationships
with their parents
- See the peer group as less
important as a determinant of behavior
- Feel empathetic
- Have greater intimacy skills
- Complete their values framework
- Carry some feelings of invincibility
- Establish their body image
Sexual Development
Most young adults aged 18
and over will:
- Enter into intimate sexual
and emotional relationships
- Understand their own sexual
orientation, although they may still experiment
- Understand sexuality as connected
to commitment and planning for the future
- Shift their emphasis from
self to others
- Experience more intense sexuality
What Families Need to Do to Raise Sexually Healthy Young
Adults
To help young adults ages 18 and over develop
a healthy sexuality, families should:
- Keep the lines of communication
open and accept that the person is an adult, not
a child.
- Offer choices, acknowledge
responsibilities, and avoid dictates.
- Continue to offer physical
and emotional closeness, but respect their need
for privacy and independence.
- Appreciate them for their
strengths and qualities.
- Facilitate their access to
sexual and reproductive health care.
- Continue offering guidance and sharing values.
Click here to return to the Parents'
Sex Ed Center home page.
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