Young adults are characterized by vim, vigor, vitality, and the general physical attractiveness of youth. Increases in height and weight are minimal, and strength peaks during these years. Ages 19 through 26 are generally thought of as those years when a person reaches maximum potential for both muscles and internal organs. Intellectual capacities reach high levels of development in both the quantitative and qualitative sense. Because so many areas of intelligence do improve, some researchers now believe that intelligence does not decline with age, as was previously thought.
Adults mature in various areas at various rates.
Several theorists have developed concepts of maturation that are explained in the text. Young adults have typically attained their identity, and therefore the process of adult sexual relationships usually proceeds in a reciprocal pattern. Dating now takes on a more intimate understanding. Love is perhaps the most complex of all human emotions and there are many different ways to express love, as well as several various categories to define love in each individual situation. Parenthood is described as a very important and exciting developmental phase of the young adult life.