Developmental Changes in Adulthood
There are a lot of developmental changes that both young adults and Middle adults go through. In this section they will be discussed.
By the end of this section, you should be able to know about the:
- Cognitive and psychosocial changes occurring during the adult years.
- Health concerns of the young adult, the childbearing family, and the middle adult.
Let’s take a closer look at them.
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Developmental Changes (Cognitive and psychosocial) occurring during the adult years.
Typically, young adults’ complete physical maturation in their early 20s and are at their peak strength and health during this time. However, as they approach their late 20s and 30s, metabolism begins to slow down. Middle age brings with it more noticeable physical changes, such as graying of hair, wrinkles, a gradual decline in energy, fragility and emotional stability Women undergo menstruation, which is marked by hormonal changes , when men experience changes in their climate, such as lower testosterone levels Significant physical changes during pregnancy are caused, including blood levels increases, mutations, and structural changes to support fetal growth These changes highlight the physiological development that occurs as adults progress in these life stages.
For the young adults
Adults typically experience stable cognitive development, with middle adulthood often marked by increased expertise, improved problem-solving, and the ability to make connections across disciplines. Psychosocially, adults focus on deepening relationships, establishing or reevaluating life goals, and, during middle age, finding purpose through generativity and contributing to others. Young adults focus more on identity and building new relationships, while middle adults increasingly address life reassessment and legacy.
Cognitive Changes
Increase in Critical Thinking: Young adulthood sees steady growth in critical thinking due to education, life, and work experiences. Identifying a career path is crucial during this stage, with higher education being instrumental in preparing for various occupations. Nurses should provide personalized education, recognizing young adults’ decision-making flexibility and adjusting information based on factors like motivation, education level, and socioeconomic background.
Psychosocial Changes
Emotional Health: Young adults face the challenge of balancing adolescent independence with adult commitments. Typical stages include:
Ages 23-28: Refining self-perception and intimacy.
29-34 Ages : Focusing on achievement and mastery.
Ages 35-43: Reassessing life goals, often experiencing a “midlife crisis.”
Ethnic, Gender, and Role Changes: Shifting roles and cultural factors affect health perceptions. Women often juggle multiple roles (e.g., wife, mother, worker), while men increasingly engage in household duties.
Developmental Changes for the Middle Adults
Cognitive declines are rare but may occur in response to trauma or illness. Many middle adults take on new educational or job training opportunities to remain competitive in the workforce.
Psychosocial changes include children leaving home, changes in marital status, or the loss of friends or family members. These events can prompt middle adults to reassess their goals, relationships, and coping mechanisms.
Cognitive and Psychosocial Developmental Change
Cognitive declines are rare but may occur in response to trauma or illness. Many middle adults take on new educational or job training opportunities to remain competitive in the workforce.
Psychosocial changes include children leaving home, changes in marital status, or the loss of friends or family members. These events can prompt middle adults to reassess their goals, relationships, and coping mechanisms.
Case Study Example (QSEN in Patient-Centered Care)
In a case of suspected IPV, a nurse should assess the patient for withdrawal symptoms, physical injuries, and relational stress. Specific questions and nonjudgmental support can help identify IPV and guide intervention to protect and support the patient.
This excerpt covers a comprehensive overview of health risks, concerns, and developmental challenges common among young adults, highlighting the complex factors that impact physical, psychological, and social well-being in this age group. Here’s a summary of key points:
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse leads to both direct and indirect causes of mortality and morbidity in young adults, primarily through overdose, impaired driving accidents, and related injuries.
Caffeine, although legal and widely consumed, can also have adverse effects at high doses, including nervous system and cardiovascular stress, leading to symptoms like restlessness, tremors, and palpitations.
Human Trafficking
Vulnerable young adults, particularly homeless or runaway youth, face high risks of exploitation and trafficking, with a significant portion trafficked for sexual purposes. Prevention and support services are crucial for this demographic.
Unplanned Pregnancies
These pregnancies can disrupt personal, educational, and career goals and may lead to relationship and parenting challenges. Financial, emotional, and social support are critical for women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, and HPV are prevalent and can have serious health consequences, including infertility and chronic illness. Preventive vaccines (e.g., HPV) and education on safe sex practices are essential.
Environmental and Occupational Hazards
Young adults in various professions face exposure to hazards that may lead to chronic health conditions. This is including respiratory diseases, cancer, and repetitive strain injuries. Awareness and protective measures are vital.
Health Promotion and Prevention
Young adults should be encouraged to engage in regular screenings (e.g., skin and breast exams) to catch conditions early. Education on diet, exercise, safe sex, and risk reduction behaviors supports long-term health.
Psychosocial Health
Job and family stress, often linked to changing roles and responsibilities. This can lead to conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Social support and healthy coping mechanisms are essential.
Infertility
Around 10-15% of reproductive-age couples face infertility. Causes may be due to either partner or remain unknown. Nurses play a role in educating and supporting couples through this challenging experience.
Obesity
Obesity is a growing concern, contributing to diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Young adults benefit from guidance on diet, physical activity, and overall lifestyle changes to reduce obesity-related risks.
Exercise
Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including cardiovascular health, stress reduction, and improved mood. Sedentary lifestyles, particularly due to technology use, are contributing to rising health risks.
Pregnant Women and Childbearing Families
For couples starting families, prenatal care and health practices (e.g., folic acid, avoidance of smoking) are crucial. Psychosocial adjustments, particularly around changing family roles, also require support and guidance.
Acute and Chronic Health Care Needs
Young adults may need acute care for injuries, respiratory infections, and substance-related health issues. Although chronic conditions are less common in young adulthood. Yet early management of issues like hypertension or diabetes can prevent long-term consequences.
Restorative and Continuing Care
Chronic illnesses, although rarer in young adulthood, require interventions that consider the impact on life plans, identity, and relationships. Young adults may need ongoing support for independence and goal adjustment.
Infertility definition
The inability to conceive a child after a year or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can affect both men and women and often requires medical intervention for diagnosis and treatment.Prenatal Care definition
The health care and medical supervision provided to a pregnant person throughout pregnancy. It includes regular checkups, nutritional guidance, screenings, and support to ensure maternal and fetal health.
Developmental Changes and Health concerns of the young adult, the childbearing family, and the middle adult.
Health concerns for young adults are often linked to lifestyle choices, including smoking, poor diet. and substance use, along with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Risks related to violence, injury, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also require attention. For childbearing families, maternal and newborn health are primary concerns. encompassing prenatal and postpartum care. as well as emotional and relational adjustments to parenting. Middle adults face increased risks of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes. and obesity, often compounded by stress from caregiving roles. Preventive care, regular health screenings. and lifestyle management are crucial for addressing these health challenges and promoting well-being at each stage.
Key Health Issues and Interventions
Adolescent health problems are often related to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression and lifestyle choices. such as smoking, nutrition and drug use Risk factors associated with violence, injury and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should also be considered. Maternal and child health care including antenatal and postnatal care, as well as the psychosocial adjustment to parenthood is central to the needs of families with children’s chronic diseases such as obesity. diabetes and high blood pressure are common greater in middle-aged years, and is often exacerbated by caregiving stress. To promotion, prophylaxis, routine health check-ups and lifestyle planning is important.
Obesity
Obesity poses a major health risk, increasing the likelihood of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Nurses play a role in counseling middle-aged patients on weight management through nutrition and physical activity. Aligning with health goals such as those outlined in Healthy People 2020.
Positive Health Habits for the Developmental Change
Developing healthy habits, such as regular exercise, dental hygiene, and balanced nutrition. Helps prevent chronic conditions like osteoporosis, particularly in middle-aged women who may be at risk.
Nurses assess health behaviors, providing support for positive habits and alternatives to unhealthy practices.
Barriers to the Developmental Change
Barriers to forming healthy habits can be external (e.g., lack of facilities or social support). Or internal (e.g., insufficient knowledge or goal-setting skills).
Nurses help patients identify and overcome these barriers through education and motivation.
Health Literacy in the Developmental Changes
Health literacy is critical, as low health literacy can hinder patients’ ability to manage their health effectively.
Nearly half of American adult’s struggle with basic health literacy. Highlighting the need for nurses to provide clear, accessible health information.
Psychosocial Health in the Developmental Changes
Anxiety: Anxiety is common in middle adulthood, often driven by life transitions or health concerns. Nurses can assist patients by offering stress-management techniques and crisis intervention.
Depression: Middle adults are at risk of depression, influenced by factors like family history. Personal losses, or the challenges of menopause. Symptoms include mood changes, sleep disturbances, and physical complaints. Nurses assess depression symptoms, involving family input as needed.
Community Health Programs
Programs aimed at illness prevention, health screening, and education can aid middle adults in managing conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Nurses play an essential role in these programs, offering tailored health education to encourage positive lifestyle changes.
Acute and Chronic Care
Middle adults often face longer recovery times from acute illnesses, and they may be prone to chronic conditions. Nurses address these needs by focusing on recovery and support. Especially for those juggling family and caregiving responsibilities (the “sandwich generation”).
Chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension impact middle adults’ lifestyle and family dynamics. Nurses assess the patient’s understanding of their condition and provide support in managing long-term care and rehabilitation.
Conclusion on the Developmental Changes
For young adults, the priority is maintaining family relationships as they often face the challenges of balancing work, raising children, and establishing independence. Supporting young adults in their growth includes providing resources and referrals to help them pursue educational and career goals, rather than simply instructing them to take action. In middle adulthood, the focus shifts to fostering generativity, where individuals find satisfaction in guiding the next generation, whether through parenting, mentoring, or community involvement. Health education for young adults often emphasizes the management of stress and the prevention of risky behaviors, such as smoking or substance use, to reduce the likelihood of illness. A nurse’s role also involves identifying populations at higher risk for intimate partner violence (IPV), with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable. The questions highlight the importance of understanding developmental needs and health risks at different life stages to provide tailored, effective care.
It is important to understand key developmental stages in adulthood, including pregnancy, emerging adulthood, and middle adulthood. For pregnant women, the nurse should encourage participation in childbirth education classes, like Lamaze, to prepare both the mother and her partner for the birthing process. In the emerging adulthood stage (18-25), individuals often experience a period of independent exploration, distinct from adolescence or traditional young adulthood. In middle adulthood, the priority for a 30-year-old is mastering career plans, while the 50-year-old woman presenting with breast pain requires a comprehensive assessment, as such symptoms may indicate an abnormality. Additionally, menopause symptoms in a 55-year-old, such as hot flashes and irregular periods, are typical signs of this life stage, but the nurse should ensure a thorough evaluation to rule out other potential health concerns. Lastly, young adults, despite being generally healthy, can face risks for illnesses later in life due to lifestyle choices, and it is essential for the nurse to address these factors when planning care. These questions emphasize the importance of understanding normal developmental tasks and health issues at different life stages to provide appropriate care and interventions.
To sum up the Developmental Change
For pregnant women, the nurse should emphasize the common changes such as urinary frequency and Braxton Hicks contractions in late pregnancy, while reassuring that sexual activity is generally safe. When discussing health concerns with young adults, the nurse may find that they tend to downplay potential risks, such as ignoring changes in moles despite the risks of sun exposure. In middle-aged adults, the focus should be on addressing physical concerns like joint mobility and preventing falls, as well as assessing external barriers to health changes, such as lack of social support or facilities. For patients in the “sandwich generation,” the nurse should recognize the added responsibility of caring for both children and aging parents, which can impact overall well-being. The matching section highlights work-related health risks specific to certain professions, such as liver disease in dry cleaners or asbestosis in insulators. Overall, these questions emphasize the importance of tailored care, recognizing the unique physical, emotional, and environmental factors at each stage of adulthood, to promote health and address risks effectively.
Braxton Hicks Contractions definition
Irregular, often painless contractions of the uterus that may begin in the second trimester of pregnancy. These contractions help the body prepare for labor but do not indicate the onset of true labor.Emerging Adulthood definition
A transitional period of development, typically from ages 18 to 25, characterized by exploration of identity, increased independence, and self-focus. It bridges adolescence and full-fledged adulthood.Lactation definition
The production and secretion of breast milk by the mammary glands, which usually begins after childbirth and provides essential nutrition and immune protection to infants.Puerperium definition
The postpartum period lasting approximately 6 weeks after childbirth, during which the mother’s reproductive organs return to their pre-pregnancy state, and the body undergoes physiological and emotional adjustments.