Adult Observation I

Running head: ADULT OBSERVATION

Passing the Torch

PSY250 Human Development, Spring 2004

University of Alaska Southeast

Adult Observation 2

Absfract

This case study provided a glimpse into the life of a youog adult participant's biosocial,

cognitive and psychosocial develcpment. Infornation gathered by obseruation and personal

interview, cross referenced with information provided in the fifth edition of T,he Developing

Person Through the {,ife Span by Kathleen Stassen Berger, (2001), confirmed that as the life

span progresses the importance of experiertce on cognitive development continues to be essential

to cognitive gpowth. The research on the Big Five P€rsonality Traits conducted longitudinally by

other researchers over the years is.confirmed in this study. This study illuminated the possibility

of adult/parenting skills that have raots or basis in observable childhood behavior. Intepctive

activities used by the researcher suppof information gathered thmugb the interviewprosess,

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Passing the Torch

For many young people, running through adolescence, the long trek to adulthood tums

into a race that they cannot seem to ruo fast enough. The furish line of adult freedoms taunts

them like a coveted pnze. They do not know that the venerated pize, awarded by the passage of

time, experience, and the acceptance of responsibilities, will be both a burden and a joy to carry

and that they will pass it on to the next generation like a torch. How well their torch illurninates

the lives of others will depend on the wisdom they use to light it now. The purpose of this case

study is to illuminate the rtnique a$pects that young adulthood brings to the lifespan perspective.

The experience of cognitive disequilibrium can have a profound effect on an individual if

employment, relationships and health take off in a different direction than previously expected,

what is important in life often changes. Reflecting on changes may result in a different look at

the road less traveled, and lives can change direction. The view of one's purpose can come into

sharp focus, revealing new horizoos and goals to achieve. The influence of a genetic propensity

for optimism, level of cognitive maturation, and wisdom gained from psychosocial experiences

of the individual can enable resiliency and direct a positive choice that is in synchrony with the

social construct. Succumbing to a negative downward spiral of despair. and self-defeating

behavior, however, can happen just as easily. Much of the success of resiliency depends on the

cognitive maturatinn of the young adult as well as support afforded them by their family, peers,

and society

Young adults vacillate between being independent of and becoming "theiroo parents as

they juggle the demands of financial stability, romantic relationships, parenthood, in-laws,

politics and practically everything else, and struggle to retain a sense-of-self amidst the many

roles they undertake in the adult world. As the years seem to zip by and they m61urs, most young

Adult Observation 4

adults will leam to pace themselves as they age. Changes in skia and hair texture are some of the

first signs of senescence seen, but as senescence sets inn reduced energy and organ reserve as

well as latent health problems can become apparent all too scon. Assessment and active

participation in health related facets of adulthood that are addressed in young adulthood could

have positive outcomes for many. Regular attention to diet and exercise and lifestyle can make a

difference in comfort, mobility and health later in adulthood.

Adulthood ofTers many options that can affect the quality of adult life as well as the

quahty of life of the future gengrations. Responsible choices made during this stage of the

lifespan are not necessarily easier than at other periods of development- The ability to

acknowledge and accommodate opposition and instability is a skill most adults gain through

experience, like milestones, and use to influence new perspectives that influence their reactions

and choices. When faced with a situation requiring moral reasoning, Carol Gilligan contends that

men and women approach their questions of morality from different directions. She believes that

men approach with a concem for rights and justice and women approach with a concern for

personal relationships. When making moral judgments, young adults make determinations using

what l,awrence Kohlberg argued were a universal and invariable sequence of stages of cognitive

development. Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development are divided into three maia levels, each

with two developmental stages, and gauge six stages of moral reasoning from early childhood

though late adulthood. Are tlrere critical adulthood/parenting skills that have their roots or basis

in observable childhood behaviors, habits and disciplines? This study will look at aspects of the

participant's eady childhood and the possible correlation with his adult behavior.

Like the map of a racecourse, the maturation process of the Human Being is predictable.

The course of development is only a guideline, however, for there are many detours and rest

Adult Observation 5

stops along the way. Some reaph adulthood with relative ease, some struggle uphill for a long

time, and some never make the effort to reach true adult status. Those that do reach adult status

coaxtheir light to shine with the breath of their own generational stake, hold their torch high, and

cast the light provided by their wisdoms and epiphanies into the shadows of the future

generations- The purpose of this present study is to examine a participant who is currently

engaged in young adulthood and will focus on where he falls in the continuum of adult

development.

Method

Participant

At the time of this study the participant, referred to as Nike throughout this study, was an

unmarried twenty-seven year old Caucasian male who was six feet tall and weighed 150 pounds

and had no known diseases or disabilities. Nike, clean-shaven and dressed n€a:tly in clothes that

fit, presented a relaxed and groomed image each time the researcher met with him. He had lived

in Juneau Alaska for twenty-seven years and at the time of the study, he cohabitated with the

mother of his biological-son, 12 months old, and two stepdaughters, three and six years of age.

Although Nike was unmarried at the time of this study, he maintained a committed relationship

witlr, Athena the mother of his son and did not differentiate between his natural child and his

stepchildren, but parented them all as his own. Nike completed his high school education on

time, and had supplemented his edlcation with a correspondence study couffie in electronics. At

the time of this study, he was not engaged in formal education. Employed by the state

governmenl Nike worked an average of 40 hotns per week and fell in the middle-class income

bracket. He owned his own car and had money in the bank. Nike's parents divorced when he was

twenty years old and both of his parents subsequently remarried.

Adult Observation 6

Procedure

Observation. The researcher observed Nike for over an hour on two separate occasions.

The fnst observation took place at a joint birfhday celebration for his two stepdaughters, Psyche,

who was celebrating her third birthday, and Persephoneo who was celebrating her sixth birthday-

The party took place at a large child centered facility that focused on large motor skills.

Approximately 2A children attended, as guests, with their parents. Psyche and Persephone's

biological father, Hades, traveled &om out of state for the girls' birthdays.

The second observation togk place at Nike and Athena's home where approximately ten

children, ranging in age from four months to sixteen years, gathered with their parents to

celebrate the first birthday of Nike and Athenaos son, Cupid.

Interaction. The researcher interacted with Nike via three interactive exercises, which

took a total of 20 minutes, at a local restaurant where they met for lunch. The researcher related

the story of Heinz, his sick wife and the druggist to Nike and posed the question "Do you think

Heinz should have stolen the drug?" Nike responded verbally. Nike also recorded his response to

two observational activities, "The Right Time for Life Eventso'questionnaire, used to measure

the participant's attitude towards sociefy's social clock and the Big Five Inventory (BFI-54),

used to rnap the participant's lrrsonality traits. The researcher scored Nike's resllonses

according to specifi ed insffuctions.

Interview. The researcher. conducted an interview with Nike, which lasted 30 minutes

atrd took place on a weekday, at lunchtime, at a local restaurant. The researcher posed questions

relating to adult life and focused on aspects of family life pertaining to parentingo marriage,

physical and psychosocial health and the future. Although Nike glanced at his watch

periodically, throughout the interview and lunch, he appeared relaxed and attentive. The

Adult Observation 7

researcher also consulted Nike's mother through, personal interview, for information regarding

his early family life and development.

Results

Biosocial

Carried to term, Nike was the eldest of four and the only male child in his family. He

weighed 8 pormds 4 ounces and was 21 inches in length when he was"born. Nike's family

modeled healthy eating habits and Nike has been irrterested in the culinary arts from a young age.

Nike's mother reported that he was a healthy child with a normal amount of colds in his yolmger

years as well as contracting the chicken pox when he was ten years old. This healthy trend has

continued into adulthood. Nike was active in skateboarding from the age of eight and an active

snowboarder form the age of twelve to the present. At the time of this study, he had never broken

any bones or been in a serious accident.

Nike's mother report€d that he was smaller than most of his peers when he was fourteen

years of age, but that by his sixteenth year he had achieved his adult heiglrt, and was taller or

equal in proportion to his peers. Nike reported that he had maintained his height and weight since

he was sixteen years of age- His Body Mass Index was between 20 and 21, which was in the

normal arnge for an adult male of his height. When the researcher asked how he felt about his

body, Nike responded that he would like to gwn20 more pcunds. He had no eating disorders and

appeared to be maintaining his set point. He had never taken steroids. Regarding his own firture

health Nike was unconcerned about a possible genetic trend in connection with his patemal

grandfather and rmcle both dying suddenly from heart attacks. He stated that he "didn't eat that

bad" and that he felt he took good care of himself and there are "a certain amount of things you

can't control, [so there's] no use being a control freak about it.-

Adult Observation I

Nike confided that he has a busy lifestyle and that his intsractions with three active

children provide regular opportunities for bending, stretching, and brisk walking, although he

does find time in the winter to snowboard. Dwing the interviewing processes Nike revealed that

he had been a "social smoker" since he was sixteen or seventeen years of age, and that presently

he smoked approxirnately one cigarette per weelq if he went out to a bar. A few grey hairs on top

of his head, and speculation about the need for glasses were the only signs of senescence Nike

had noticed. He reported to the researcher that he had no wrinkles, no hearing loss, and that his

reduced energy level in the mornigg was probably due to getting up at all times of the nigbt. He

state{ *With kids you listen all night long, even if you are asleep." Nike appeared to have no

fertility problem and a month before this interview had undergone a vasectomy with no adverse

affect.

Cognitive

The strdy of adult cognitive development is tethered loosely to clronological age. Adult

cognitive growth is multidirectional as well as multicontextual and the influence of experience

has a profound effect on the cognitive development of the individual, making each experience

valuable in some way.

Nike's rnother reported that he was an above average student through elementary, middle

and his first years of high school. She also noted that he has always been interested in

organization and liked to line his toys up in rows. As he moved through the school years, he

would categorize them in tackle boxes for storage, Nike brainstormed this method of storage, she

confided as a way to keep his small toys out of his younger sisters' hands.

The researcher presented the moral dilemma of Heinz, his sick wife and the pharmacist to

Nike and asked if he thougtrt Heinz should steal the drug or not and why. Nike's response was

Adult Observation 9

that *[Heinz should steal the drug], because Heinz would be honoring his commitment to his

wifeo to take care of her in sickness ard in health. If he were to be caught and prosecuted, the

judge would probably sentence him to make restitution payments to the druggist, which is what

he had wanted to do anyway." Nike's response correlated with Level III, stage five of

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development and showed that by shifting the source of authority to

Heirlr,, Nike was operating on the Principled or Postconventional Morality level. Stage five is

founded on self-chosen principles and focuses on individual dghts' and the social contract. Nike

had reached the seeond highest leyel of moral development, according to Kohlberg, with stage

six reserved for the, rare, altnristic person.

Psychosacial

At the time of this study Nike continued to live in the same city he was raised, and he

maintained a close relationship with his parents and three sisters. His mother reported that he was

bom with an easy temperament and was a securely-attached child. Nike was an only child until

he was 2.5 years old when his first sister was bom. Brother and sister shared a bedroom until

Nike was 8 years old. He was 7.5 years old when he attended the birth of his second sister at a

birth center, and took an active role in the homebirth of his third sister when he was 10.5 years

old. Nike's mother con{ided that he made friends easily and had close friends of both gender.

She stated that his fine motor skills were highly coordinated at a young age and that he

fransitioned smoothly into a co-operative preschool environment, which he attended from the age

of four to six years and was a popular playmate. Nike attended public school kindergarten at six

years and graduated from high school when he was 18 years of age. Nike has been independent

and self-supporting since he moved into his own apartment six months before he graduated frorn

high school. He was a well-liked above average-studeat throughout his school years, although

Adult Observation l0

his mother repoded that his grades were not as consistently high tlroughout his high school

career.

Nike and his family lived a rustic lifestyle without running water or electricity until Nike

was 14 years of age. Although Nike lived without the amenities of his peers, he had all the

comforts of his p€ers" as well as the benefits of forest and beach to aid in his cognitive, physical

and psychosocial development. tiving without television Nike and his family read books and

engaged in imaginative play with playmates that were imported to his rural home.

Nike has maintained a joy" interacting with chitdren and adults through out his life. For

example he inleraeted freely with both adults and children at his children's bitthday parties and

always knew where his daughters and son were. The researcher observed several insknces of

this attentive focus, at Cupid's party.

One such instance was after Nike had been in the garage setting up more balloons for the

adult dart-toss. When he re-entered the living area, he scanned the room, and sat down on the rug

and played with Cupid. "'Where's Psyche?" he said to no one in particular, regained an upright

stance and walked into the adjoining bathroom, where he found Psyche busily rmrolling yards of

toilet paper. The researcher overheard Nike tell his daughter "...people don't use that much toilet

pap€r wher they use the potty, Psychg or it clogs it all up."

Observations at both birthday celebrations revealed Nike was cornfortable in his adult

role with Athena as he shared the responsibilities of family life joyfrrlly, and was an attentive

father'\ilith eyes in the back of his head".

The researcher provided Nike with the Big Five Inventory, designed by Oliver P. John.

The Big Five become stable in adulthood and remain quite stable as we age. Presuming this test

was valid and reliable for adult white males of middle olass, Nike scored high in all five-

Adult Observation 11

personallty traits. The scoring range for four of the five traits was between 9 and 45. His lowest

score was 33, in extroversion. Nike scored 39 in agreeableness, 42 in emotional stability, and 44

in conscientiousness. The scoring range for openness was between 18 and 90. Nike's score for

opeaness was 81.

Nike also participated in a survey that focused on the *right timeoo for life events. He

agreed that the specified age range was appropriate in only three of the nine activities or events,

which all related to later adulthosd. Nike verbally expormded on his reasons for disagreeing. He

disagreed that there was an appropriate age for a oobest timeo' to marry, for either a man or a

woma4 and stated that he did not believe that life ureallt''worked out that way. He believed that

the best time to marry was when you found the right person. He based his disagreements on the

concept that "real-life" was not confined to a timeline and that the best time to do things was

better measured by opportunity, rather than the pressure to meet a socially constructed clock.

Berger (2001) noted that the 1991 U.S. Bureau of Census has recorded the majority of adults in

their twenties and thirties are not yet married, with a very small percentage already divorced.

At the time of this study, the researcher concluded that Nike had passed through

Erikson's sixth stage of Psychosocial Development, the stage of Intimacy vefsus Isolation and

was in the seventh stage of Generatively versus Stagnation, in which adults seek to be

productive. Nike was in a committed relationship, with his partner Athen4 and was actively

parenting three children, ages one, three and six years old, in a child-centered home. Nike and

Athena had recently decided that the time was right to mary and they had begun planning their

wedding. Nike reported that he was looking forward to purchasing and moving his young family

into their own home the following month.

Adult Observation 12

Discussion

The results of the study indicate that Nike had settled into a comfortable ecological niche

and showed a oonormal" pattem of yormg adult development with exceptions in his consistently

high scores in the Big Five Penonality Traits and his Postconventional thinking. The researcher

concluded that Nike's emly, clo$e, involvement with his sisters could have had a strong

influential impact on his cognitive development in the psychosocial domain.

His rural upbringing coupled with his easy temperament and consistent exposure to the

feminine point of view had been"consistent throughout his life at the time of this study. The

researcher found the possibility that these influences ilray have contributed to Nike's high BFI

scores intrigurng and was open to explore them through further study. Nike's rural upbringlng

and imaginative play in the foresto as well as his early preschool experience, where children's

play was viewed as a "job'o also seemed to support the concept of a long-range impact of an early

childhood influence on adult personality scores. Nike's penchant as a child for tlre organization

of his toys might also be observed in his adult world by his well-ordered toolbox and his

attention to the welfare of his children. His close involvernent with the birth of his sisters and his

strong supportive family connections might be manifesting in his adult life as emotional stability.

His easy temperament combined with his ability for openness to new experiences could account

for his high score in agreeableness. His score in extroversion, which is still above the mean,

might be explained by his being the only male child in his family as well as being the first-bom.

Being assertive may have been a survival technique Nike leamed having three younger sisters.

The unique aspects brought to young adulthood from eady childhood, often hide in the

shadows, if brought into the light they could enlighten our understanding of ourselves. Some

asp€cts seem to need to hide in the shadows uril cognitive development is advanced to a point

Adult Observation 13

where the young adult could look at the memories objectively. Some aspects seem to make the

torch burn brighter.

Nike and Athena brought strong familial support to their union as well as a strong

network of friends, who were also family orientated. Neither Nike nor Athena had been married

before and they were very committed to the welfare of their children. As Nike and Athena enter

into a marriage contract life has the potential to take on a new dimension of intimacy and

commitment. As Nike continues to age, he will be faced with new opportunities for creative

problem solving, in the biosocial,.cognitive and psychosocial domains. Because he is conscious

of his health, Nike could frnd it wise to look into preventative health measures.

Based on the physical similarities between Nike's father and paternal grandfather, such as

height and weight, the researcher concluded that Nike's physical appearance correlated with a

strong genetic component. Nike's healthful eating habits and his interest in food preparation at

an atypical young age, probably has influenced his diet, and what appears to be his set weight.

Based on this familial similarity the researcher is concemed that Nike had not taken active steps

to influence the course of his health in regarding heart disease. Nike could do several things, to

reduce his risk of heart disease such as regular medical check ups, regular exercise, avoiding the

use of tobacco, continuing to limit his intake of alcohol and actively consuming heart healthy

foods. The researcher was not aware of any delays nor effects of delays in the participant's

development.

Nike's ecological niche will evolve as the years mn by and he could evolve as well, with

the discovery of new interests and possibilities he was not aware of before. Nike and Athena's

families emotional support will be a stroag asset in the coming years as their children enter

Adult Observation 14

adolescence. Nike's stoeagths wilt bs tesfed m two teenage girls and one prepubescent boy

become anxious to run their own races into adulthood and the torch is passed.

Engaging in this study illuminated the aaanngstabitity of personality traits. Given this

little bit of light on the subject and the evidence pointing to the impact of early childhood

influences on later adult behardor, it is unfortunate and unbelievable that tlere are so many issues

plaguing our world regarding lack of nwturing care given to the children of the world.

As I conclude this research, I reflsct on the responsibiliry each one of us has to bum our

torches brightly, and pass on the rryisdoms we glean from our experiences. We have a tremendous

responsibility as Human Beings to make the world a ktter place and learn as much as we can

about each other. When we do then we will find that we will also learn much about ourselves.