Emerging Adulthood and the Changing Lives Program



Abstract

In this investigation, emerging adulthood theory of Arnett's has been critically analyzed with reference to lifespan development perspective. An over view of adult development project and changing lives program is included in the study. Life course approach of psychological development and sense of identity with respect to emerging adult has been discussed in detail. The concept of empowerment and CLP framework intervention has been discussed. Limitation of CLP framework is critically analyzed in this examination.

Emerging Adulthood and the Changing Lives Program

Introduction (Theory overview)

Emerging adulthood is regarded as a phase of life style, which differentiates adolescence and full-fledged adulthood. This concept was coined by a well renowned psychologist named as Jeffrey Arnett. The theory primarily applies to those youngsters of developed country who do not have children, or to those who do not live at their homes, or those individuals who do have sufficient income to become independent early or late twenties (Arnett, 2000, pp 469-480). According to Arnett, the emerging adulthood lies under the age of 18-25 years, where the individuals become more dependent, and explores life from distinctive dimensions. Emergent of adulthood is considered as a new demographic which is persistently changing, and few experts believes that adults of 20's struggled a lot in terms of “exploration of identity, self-focus, and instability.

Discussion

Lifespan perspective

Feeling-in between is the time of emerging adulthood from adolescence and adulthood. There are various limitations which are imposed on adolescence, during the time of school and parental rules. Emerging adulthood is the time which gives ways of freedom to an individual. It is believed by experts, that most of the adults at this stage do not take the sense of responsibility.

Another important element of emerging adulthood is based on age of possibilities. The structure is declined and the freedom is inclined at this age, which leads an individual to endless possibilities. The individual gets the freedom of making professional and personal life decisions.

Emerging adulthood is considered as the most self-focus time in an individual life. The emerging adults are not bound with adult restrictions, but they have the freedom of making decisions of their own choices.

Adult development project and CLP

The Miami project of adult development, attempts to expand the research of emerging adult, with respect to Changing lives program. The main theme of ADP is to escalate the psychological development of an individual. The administration of ADP intervention is done by students and volunteers who aimed to receive extra training on peer facilitation.

The main theme of ADP revolves around empowering and encouraging the individuals, who face difficulty in their emerging adulthood. An approach of participatory transformation is utilized by CLP, which is associated with escalating the morale of already empowered individuals. CLP main task is based on motivating individuals, so they can critically evaluate about themselves, which encourage a positive character.

In this participatory approach, the individuals solve their problems by themselves. The team members and leaders do not intervene in individual problem solving process, ...