Adult

In psychology, an adult is an individual who is fully developed physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Adulthood is characterized by the attainment of self-governance, duty, and a cohesive and enduring self-concept, as evidenced by the achievement of certain benchmarks including the establishment of a career and the formation of significant personal relationships. Psychologists categories adulthood into three segments early, middle, and late each of which has unique and defining developmental issues. Erik Erikson characterized this period of the life course as one focused on the attainment of intimacy, the exercise of creativity and the realization of generatively. Adult development is vital in understanding and solving life transitions and adult psychopathology. Example: An adult balancing work and family responsibilities reflects psychological maturity and independence.