Glossary / Lexicon

An adult is typically an individual who have reached the age of majority, which is typically 18 or 21 years old, depending on the country or region. This is the age at which an individual is legally considered an adult and is typically granted full legal rights and responsibilities.

In the field of psychology, the concept of "adulthood" is often used to refer to the developmental stage that follows adolescence and is characterized by increased independence, responsibility, and self-awareness. During this stage of life, individuals typically experience significant changes in their relationships, roles, and responsibilities, as they move towards greater autonomy and self-sufficiency.

Research on adult development has focused on a wide range of topics, including cognitive and social development, career and family transitions, and physical and mental health. Understanding the psychological aspects of adulthood can help psychologists and other mental health professionals better understand and support the needs and challenges of adult clients.

Description

An adult in the psychology context is generally defined as an individual who has reached the age of majority and is considered to be mature and responsible. This stage of development is characterized by a sense of independence, self-awareness, and the ability to make decisions based on personal values and beliefs. Adults often juggle multiple roles such as career, family, and social relationships, which can impact their mental and emotional well-being. This stage of life is also marked by continued growth and development, as individuals navigate new challenges and experiences.

Application Areas

• Adult development and aging studies
• Clinical psychology
• Counseling and therapy
• Workplace psychology

Treatment and Risks

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Psychotropic medications
• Risks of untreated mental health issues

Examples

• An adult seeking therapy for anxiety and stress management
• An adult participating in a career counseling program
• An adult attending a support group for individuals dealing with grief and loss

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Mature individual
• Grown-up
• Parent
• Senior

Articles with 'Adult' in the title

• Adult attachment: Adult attachment refers to the concept of attachment that is used to describe and understand close relationships in adulthood by translating each of the three (3) major patterns of attachment found among infants—secure, anxious/ . . .
• Adult Attachment Interview: Adult Attachment Interview : Adult Attachment Interview refers to a Clinical interview used with adolescents and adults to tap respondents" memories of their childhood relationships with parents in Order to assess the c haracter of . . .
• Integrity vs. despair (late adult): Integrity vs. despair (late adult) : Integrity vs. despair (late adult) refers to the 8th stage of Erik Erikson's theory of Psychosocial development where at t the end of life, individuals can either feel complete or incomplete- they can . . .
• Intimacy vs. isolation (young adult): Intimacy vs. isolation (young adult) : Intimacy vs. isolation (young adult) refers to the 6th stage of Erik Erikson's theory of Psychosocial development where the social task of the young adult is to create strong, long-lasting bonds of . . .
• Wechsler adult intelligence scale: Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS) refers to an individually administered measure of intelligence, intended for adults aged 16-89. The WAIS is intended to measure human intelligence reflected in both verbal and performance abilities
• Entering the adult world: Entering the adult world: entering the adult world refers to a stage in the novice phase of early adulthood, ranging from ages 22 to 28.
• Adult antisocial behavior: Adult antisocial behavior: Adult Antisocial behavior refers to adult iIllegal or immoral Behavior such as stealing, lying, or cheating.
• Adult family homes: Adult family homes refer to housing options that provide an alternative to nursing homes for adults who do not need 24-hour care. Adult family homes is also called Adult foster care
• Adult foster care: Adult foster care refer to housing options that provide an alternative to nursing homes for adults who do not need 24-hour care. Adult foster care is also called Adult family homes
• Adult Day Care: Adult Day Care refers to a daytime community-based program for functionally impaired adults that provides a variety of social, health and related support services in a protective set ting
• An adult child: An adult child refers to an individual who is an adult, but also the living child of an older parent

Summary

In psychology, an adult is defined as an individual who has reached the age of majority and is capable of making decisions based on personal values and beliefs. This stage of development is marked by independence, self-awareness, and continued growth. Adults may face various challenges related to mental health and emotional well-being.

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