Growth and Development, Ages 18 and Over

Physical Development

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Complete the process of physical maturation, usually attaining full adult height [Secondary sexual characteristics, such as size of penis and breasts, are completed.]

Cognitive Development

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Move into adult roles and responsibilities and may learn a trade, work, and/or pursue higher education
• Fully understand abstract concepts and be aware of consequences and personal limitations
• Identify career goals and prepare to achieve them
• Secure their autonomy and build and test their decision making skills
• Develop new skills, hobbies, and adult interests

Emotional Development

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Move into adult relationships with their parents
• See the peer group as less important as a determinant of behavior
• Feel empathetic
• Have greater intimacy skills
• Complete their values framework
• Carry some feelings of invincibility
• Establish their body image

Sexual Development

Most young adults aged 18 and over will:

• Enter into intimate sexual and emotional relationships
• Understand their own sexual orientation, although they may still experiment
• Understand sexuality as connected to commitment and planning for the future
• Shift their emphasis from self to others
• Experience more intense sexuality

What Families Need to Do to Raise Sexually Healthy Young Adults

To help young adults ages 18 and over develop a healthy sexuality, families should:

• Keep the lines of communication open and accept that the person is an adult, not a child.
• Offer choices, acknowledge responsibilities, and avoid dictates.
• Continue to offer physical and emotional closeness, but respect their need for privacy and independence.
• Appreciate them for their strengths and qualities.
• Facilitate their access to sexual and reproductive health care.
• Continue offering guidance and sharing values.