Biosocial Aspect: The concept of "emerging adulthood" is introduced. These years 18-30 are prime time for high energy, hard physical work, and safe reproduction. Appearance is the most important to people of this stage. Health is very good at this age as well. Organ reserve, homeostasis and allostasis are vital in emerging adulthood, it predicts the well being in adulthood. Sleep, exercise, and diet is a major factor in our health at this stage. Eating disorders are common during this stage. This stage determines the long term effects our body will bring into adulthood. Risk taking is prominent, both beneficial and dangerous.
Cognitive Development: Postformal thought is introduced.As emerging adulthood begins our thought process is much more practical, creative, and flexible. We consider every aspect when making decisions. The most complex adult thought process is dialectical thought. It helps us further come to terms, understanding, and admit to things we didn't in our past stages.
Psychosocial: We continue our journey of identity within our self. We possess moratoria, which halts milestones in our life until we believe we are ready. We wait until it correlates with our blossoming identity. Vocational identity becomes more important in this stage. The relationships with family is a linked life experience but still being an individual as you go through the stage. The type of parent you have shapes you in emerging adulthood. (helicopter parent,snowplow parents). Friendship is equally important in this stage. Finding a partner comes to the forefront.