Life Transitions Through Adulthood
28 Sept – written by Katrin Kemmerzehl – Blog
Life is full of change, growth, and new challenges. From leaving home to reflecting on later years, every stage of adulthood offers opportunities to learn about ourselves, our relationships, and our purpose.
When going to school, many of us look forward to the freedom of becoming a legal adult. But does psychological adulthood arrive at 18 as well? What are the developmental tasks throughout adulthood?
Psychologist Erik Erikson described human development as a series of eight psychosocial stages, each with a central tension that shapes our emotional and social well-being.
In adulthood, these stages focus on identity, intimacy, purpose, and meaning. This blog post explores early, middle, and late adulthood, highlighting key challenges, research insights, and ways to navigate each phase.
Early Adulthood – Love, Identity, and the Journey Toward Intimacy
“To love and be loved, we must first know ourselves.”
Early adulthood (roughly 18–40 years) is often full of freedom, energy, and possibilities, but also uncertainty and complex decisions.
Erikson called this stage intimacy versus isolation, emphasizing the challenge of forming meaningful relationships while maintaining a strong sense of self (Erikson, 1950).
Young adults often navigate multiple transitions at once: leaving home, pursuing education or careers, and exploring romantic partnerships.
Today, many delay marriage, live with partners before committing, or explore diverse lifestyles, reflecting both more freedom and more complex choices.
Emerging Adulthood describes a transitional period to adulthood. This period encompasses the late teens through the 20s, a time during which many individuals have passed through adolescence but do not yet perceive themselves to be adults.
Emerging adulthood is a time of exploration and experimentation. Research shows that experimentation and risk-taking, like trying different jobs, social circles, or relationship models, is normal and helps young adults develop identity and social skills (Arnett, 2000).
Relationships matter and social networks help young adults manage stress, explore identity, and feel a sense of belonging.
Gottman found out that couples who maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions tend to thrive even in the presence of conflict (Gottman, 1995). This implies that simple acts, like smiling, showing appreciation, or expressing affection, can strengthen intimacy more than grand gestures.
Beyond romantic relationships, friendships and mentorships also provide essential support.
Counselling in Early Adulthood
Counselling can guide early adults in making intentional relationship choices, improving communication, and balancing independence with closeness.
The saying, “To love and be loved, we must first know ourselves,” embodies a common principle in psychology and philosophy. It suggests that understanding our own character and needs is important for forming healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
Early adulthood is a time to build both a strong sense of self and lasting connections. Growth comes not from avoiding mistakes but from learning and experimenting.
References
- Arnett, J. J. (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 55(5), 469–480.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. New York: Norton.
- Gottman, J. M. (1995). Why marriages succeed or fail. New York: Fireside.
- Gerrig, R. J., & Zimbardo, P. G. (2009). Psychology and Life. London: Pearson Education.
Middle Adulthood – Generativity, Growth, and Life Transitions
“Life in mid-adulthood is less about crisis and more about contribution.”
Contrary to popular myths of the midlife “crisis,” research shows that middle adulthood (roughly 40–65 years) is often a peak period of cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
Erikson described it as generativity versus stagnation, a stage where individuals seek to make a meaningful impact on the world, whether through parenting, mentoring, work, or community involvement (Erikson, 1963).
Adults in midlife juggle multiple roles – partner, parent, worker, friend – and this role complexity is linked to well-being. This stage is sometimes also referred to as the ‘rush hour of life.’
Those who embrace multiple meaningful activities often report higher satisfaction, less stress, and stronger emotional resilience (Stone et al., 2010).
Erikson suggested that midlife is a phase where healthy relationships expand beyond the self to nurturing family, community, and future generations.
In this phase, fulfilment comes from connection, contribution, and guiding others, while neglecting these ties risks isolation and stagnation (McAdams et al., 1993).
Transitions are a central feature of midlife. Children leaving home, career changes, divorce, or caring for ageing parents can challenge personal identity and purpose.
Yet, research shows that adults who approach these transitions with flexibility, self-reflection, and openness to growth often emerge stronger and more fulfilled (Levinson, 1978).
Counselling in Midlife
Midlife is an ideal time for reflection and reevaluation. Exploring personal goals, nurturing relationships, and aligning work with values can enhance life satisfaction and reduce the stress of inevitable transitions.
Practical tip: Keep a ‘generativity journal.’ Document meaningful contributions, lessons learned, and ways you help others. Research suggests that reflection on generative acts boosts well-being and resilience (McAdams et al., 1993).
References
- https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/established-adulthood
- McAdams, D. P., de St. Aubin, E., & Logan, R. L. (1993). Generativity among young, midlife, and older adults.
- Stone, A. A., Schwartz, J. E., Broderick, J. E., & Deaton, A. (2010). A snapshot of the age distribution of psychological well-being. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(22), 9985–9990.
- Levinson, D. J., Darrow, C. N., Klein, E. B., Levinson, M. H., & McKee, B. (1978). The seasons of a man’s life. Knopf.
- Barnett, R. C., & Hyde, J. S. (2001). Women, men, work, and family: An expansionist theory. American Psychologist, 56(10), 781–796.
- Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and Society. New York: Norton.
Late Adulthood – Wisdom, Integrity, and Fulfillment
“A life well-lived is reflected in peace, gratitude, and meaningful connections.”
Late adulthood (65+) is a time of reflection, wisdom, and renewed focus on emotional well-being. Erikson described this stage as ego-integrity versus despair, where individuals look back on life with either satisfaction or regret (Erikson, 1982).
Those who feel their lives have been meaningful often experience greater life satisfaction and emotional resilience.
Physical and cognitive changes are part of aging, but many abilities, such as vocabulary, social skills, and expertise in practical tasks, can improve with age (Krampe & Ericsson, 1996).
Maintaining an active lifestyle, including physical exercise, social engagement, and mental challenges,has been shown to improve cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical health well into the 80s (Chodzko-Zajko et al., 2009).
Social and emotional well-being is a hallmark of late adulthood. Older adults often prioritize rewarding relationships and manage emotions effectively, leading to more positive experiences than in earlier life stages (Charles & Carstensen, 2010).
Caring for others, volunteering, and staying socially connected are associated with longer life expectancy and better mental health (Colcombe et al., 2004)).
Counselling in Late Adulthood
Late adulthood is an opportunity to reflect, consolidate wisdom, and focus on meaningful connections. Support can help older adults cope with loss, maintain social engagement, and embrace new roles, such as grandparenting, volunteering, or mentoring.
Practical tip: Engage in activities that stimulate the mind and body, such as puzzles, music, social clubs, or walking groups.
Even starting new habits late in life yields measurable gains in physical, cognitive, and emotional health (Colcombe et al., 2004).
Adulthood as a lifelong journey
Adulthood is a lifelong journey of transitions – from the search for intimacy and identity in early adulthood, through the explorations of emerging adulthood, to the balance of generativity and complexity in midlife, and finally toward the reflection and wisdom of late adulthood.
Each stage offering unique challenges and opportunities for growth in relationships, purpose, and well-being.
References
- Erikson, E. H. (1982). The life cycle completed: A review. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Baltes, P. B. (1993). The aging mind: Potential and limits. The Gerontologist, 33(5), 580–594.
- American College of Sports Medicine, Chodzko-Zajko, W. J., Proctor, D. N., Fiatarone Singh, M. A., Minson, C. T., Nigg, C. R., Salem, G. J., & Skinner, J. S. (2009). American College of Sports Medicine position stand: Exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(7), 1510–1530.
- Charles, S. T., & Carstensen, L. L. (2010). Social and emotional aging. Annual Review of Psychology, 61(1), 383–409. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.093008.100448
Katrin Kemmerzehl
I am a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please get in touch if you’re interested in arranging a consultation.