Eriksons Identity Theory Adult Development Parenthood

What does it mean to be an adult? Historically, adulthood was characterized by a series of milestones—completing education, entering the workforce, getting married, and having children. In recent time, the markers appear to have shifted, with many people delaying or redefining the traditional steps due to various reasons or factors (Newman & Newman, 2018). Different ideas about growing up lead to conflicting definitions of adulthood, which can make the transition from adolescence to adulthood difficult for those who do not know what to expect or “how” to act. What does it mean to be an adult is a question that everyone has to answer for himself.

Adulthood is not a simple, agreed-upon concept the whole world over. In some cultures, adulthood is understood much differently than in others. In general, the concept refers to a stage of life shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors (Newman & Newman, 2018). From a biological perspective, brain development continues well into one’s twenties, and affects decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Psychologically, adulthood is often associated with identity formation, self-sufficiency, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently. Socially, it is defined through relationships, career stability, and the ability to provide for oneself and others (Newman & Newman, 2018).

This paper examines how different views of adulthood can cause problems that might require social work support. This is because social workers can help with providing resources, guidance, and advocacy for people as they try to become adults—particularly if they do not know what it means to be an adult. One helpful way to look at adulthood is through the idea of being responsible for a dependent. Through an examination of the concept of adulthood through the lens of parenthood, this analysis will discuss the challenges and adaptations a person experiences on the way to “becoming” an adult.

Adulthood can be defined by biological, psychological, and social factors. Some cultures may view adulthood as a legal status or a personal milestone, but on a personal level it is important to know what this means for the individual who is entering into this phase. One of the most significant and transformative experiences that can indicate adulthood is parenthood. Becoming a parent often forces a person to assume new responsibilities, develop new identities, and deal with major physical, emotional, personal, and social changes. Thus, the biopsychosocial model can help to explain how these dimensions interact to give definition to adulthood.

The biological dimension of adulthood involves physical maturation and brain development, which shapes a person’s ability to function independently. Neurological development is perhaps the most important factor. Physical maturity—such as full height and reproductive capability—is often reached in the late teens, but brain development continues into the mid-to-late twenties (Newman & Newman, 2018). The prefrontal cortex, which is where decision-making and emotional regulation take place, is one of the last areas of the brain to mature (Newman & Newman, 2018). This explains why adolescents and emerging adults often engage in risk-taking behaviors and struggle with long-term planning. However, becoming a parent accelerates the need for responsible decision-making.

The transition to parenthood also correlates with physiological changes. Pregnancy and childbirth introduce hormonal fluctuations that affect mood and well-being. Fathers experience hormonal changes, too, such as a drop in testosterone levels, which can help with caregiving behaviors and emotional bonding with their child (Walczak, 2023). These biological shifts are the body’s way of changing to deal with a new reality: adulthood.

Stress can be another factor. Chronic stress in young parents, especially those without strong support systems, can lead to long-term health consequences, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and physical exhaustion (Burton et al., 2024). Financial instability can add to stress, which is yet another reason the social aspect of becoming an adult cannot be ignored.

One of the defining psychological markers of adulthood is the ability to self-regulate emotions and behavior. Adolescents typically need external structures, guidance and discipline from parents or others in authority. However, adulthood requires internal regulation, meaning a person has to be an authority for himself, providing his own structure, regulation, guidance, and discipline. Parenthood amplifies this need for self-regulation (Newman & Newman, 2018).

Another key psychological component of adulthood is identity formation. Part of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is that young adulthood builds on the resolution of the conflict between identity vs. role confusion and deals with the challenge of intimacy vs. isolation. Young adults look for stable, meaningful relationships (Newman & Newman, 2018). Parenthood is a role that forces one to adapt to new relational demands.

However, unexpected parenthood can create psychological distress, especially for those who have not yet established a clear sense of self. Young parents who experience unplanned pregnancies might struggle with feelings of self-doubt and anxiety (Walczak, 2023). Likewise, past trauma can be a factor, as someone who experienced family conflict in childhood might struggle to develop healthy attitudes about parenting.

Social expectations and cultural norms play a powerful role in shaping how and when individuals are perceived as adults. While traditional adulthood markers—such as financial independence, marriage, and homeownership—were once seen as universal milestones, modern research suggests that these markers are shifting and becoming more flexible (Walczak, 2023).

One of the biggest social pressures of adulthood is financial stability. Historically, reaching adulthood meant securing a stable job, living independently, and supporting a family (Tilman et al., 2019). However, in contemporary society, many young adults struggle to achieve financial independence, often delaying homeownership and career stability due to economic challenges (Burton et al., 2024). This shift has led to inconsistencies in defining adulthood, as some may achieve emotional and psychological maturity but still rely on parents for financial support. Parenthood, however, often serves as a turning point, as one must find ways to provide for children, even if oneself was previously financially dependent (Tilman et al., 2019).

Social support systems like family networks affect how people approach parenthood and adult responsibilities. People with strong support systems are more likely to successfully transition into adulthood, whereas those without support may experience greater stress and insecurity (Newman & Newman, 2018).

The transition from adolescence to adulthood, for most, comes with finishing school, achieving financial stability, independent living, and for still others it can include marriage, and parenthood. These are sometimes referred to as the Big Five adulthood markers (Newman, 2018). However, modern culture challenges the relevance of these traditional markers, as young adults increasingly delay or redefine these life events (Walczak, 2023).

Today, however, many young adults do not see marriage or parenthood as necessary milestones in becoming an adult (Walczak, 2023). Instead, they prioritize personal freedom and self-sufficiency. Traditional markers no longer mark a turning point. For example, previously considered a primary transition point into adulthood, higher education has become more prolonged and expensive, meaning delayed advance towards financial independence. Student debt, job market instability, rising living costs, all make financial freedom more difficult to achieve at a young age (Burton et al., 2024). Likewise, many young adults live with their parents for longer because of finances, meaning freedom is ever elusive. On top of this, young persons choose to delay or forgo parenthood altogether as social values have changed and personal freedom is viewed as more important (Sarma et al., 2018). Adulthood is now seen by many young people as like an extended adolescence, just with more opportunities to indulge in experiences as greater freedom arises. But what happens when situations change?

To illustrate the struggles of reaching adulthood, I reflect on the experience of one of my closest friends, who at 31, underwent a massive transformation upon becoming a father. Before his partner’s pregnancy, my friend had many adolescent-like traits, despite being in his late 20s. He lived in Aspen as a ski bum, working as a hotel front desk agent with little financial stability or long-term career prospects. His life was carefree; he enjoyed his freedom and recreational activities. Despite being legally an adult, his lifestyle and responsibilities resembled those of an adolescent in terms of not having much .

Learning that he was going to be a father—without planning for it—became a turning point in his life. Due to his partner’s religious beliefs, abortion was not an option, and he had to make a decision: remain in his current lifestyle or embrace the responsibilities of fatherhood. He chose the latter and initiated a rapid transformation in his behavior and priorities. He left Aspen and found a stable, higher-paying job to support his new family in New York where he could co-parent and help build a stable home environment. He adjusted his spending habits, prioritizing his child\\\\\\\'s needs over personal indulgences. He became more patient, resilient, and goal-oriented, and shifted from self-focused to being child-focused. He had a strong social network to support him in his new life mission, and his family welcomed the change, too. Not everyone has such support, however.

Becoming a parent is one of the most important life transitions, but it comes with many financial, psychological, emotional, and social challenges that can make adulthood difficult for those who do not know how to respond to these challenges.

Social workers can help young parents face the difficulties of adulthood in a number of supportive ways. One big aspect of social work intervention is connecting parents to support networks, such as community programs, parenting classes, support groups, and financial assistance services. These are all great resources that can help young parents who lack strong support networks. Through these resources, young adults can acquire tools, information, skills, sympathy, understanding, confidence, and knowledge needed to navigate parenthood, offering them a sense of stability and reassurance. Access to mentorship programs and peer support groups can also foster a stronger sense of community and emotional well-being, reducing feelings of isolation.

Additionally, government policies and workplace protections can help young parents, especially those who try to balance work and childcare responsibilities. Social workers can advocate for parental leave laws and childcare subsidies, so that struggling parents can provide for their children without worry of financial security. Policies that promote affordable childcare and healthcare access can be a great support for young adults who are new parents (Newman, 2018).

Social workers can also help with mental health concerns of young parents. As they move into adulthood, the changes can be overwhelming. New mothers might experience postpartum depression. New fathers can feel lost and uncertain. Social workers can help by facilitating counseling or stress management services, so that young adults experiencing parenthood can get the emotional support they need. Early mental health intervention can improve parent-child relationships, overall well-being, and long-term parental success, (Newman & Newman, 2018).

The transition to adulthood via parenthood can be analyzed using Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, which outlines all the stages of human development from the standpoint of the central conflict of each stage. To advance from one stage to the next, the conflict must be resolved. This case study aligns particularly with two key stages: Identity vs. Role Confusion and Intimacy vs. Isolation (Newman, 2018).

In the stage of Identity vs. Role Confusion, young adults are trying to figure out their place in the world. Those who see adulthood as prolonged adolescence resolve this conflict in a way that does not require them to change at all. Those who see adulthood as something new and different, as in the case study of my friend, rise up out of adolescence. They go on to face the next challenge of development: Intimacy vs. Isolation, when young adults seek meaningful relationships and long-term commitments. Parenthood forces people to develop intimacy and responsibility, to grow their relationships with both their child and their co-parent, and to stop being like adolescents. The experience of raising a child can enhance emotional maturity by fostering deeper personal connections and prioritizing family over individualistic pursuits.