In early adulthood, the issue of intimacy vs. isolation is explored in relation to such topics as friendship, marriage, parenting, and career development. In middle adulthood, the issue of generativity vs. stagnation is studied in relation to the family, social and community ties, midlife transitions, physical health, and adult education. In late adulthood, the issue of ego integrity vs. despair is examined in relation to cognitive processes, retirement, physical aging, mental health, and life satisfaction. The dying process and coping with death are also considered. This course is of particular value to those who wish to improve intergenerational relationships.
Young adults can better understand their parents' generation, and vice versa.
Those in both young and middle adulthood can empathize with older adults who are undergoing physical, cognitive, and social changes in their lives. Those who are working with, or are planning to work with, the elderly will learn a great deal of information relevant to those careers. Young adults taking this course will have the additional benefit of learning what to expect at various stages, thereby affording an opportunity to plan better for the future. The textbook by Douglas Kimmel provides a solid foundation of concepts, terms, research, and approaches in adult psychology. The telecourse, Seasons of Life, provides interesting insights and vignettes pertaining to stages of adult development.