STUDENTS AS EMERGING ADULTS PARENT & FAMILY PROFRAMS A Framework of Development The chart below shows a typical trajectory of students’ development, yet it is important to note that students will vary in when and how such skills are mastered.
Developing Competence includes students exploring intellectual, interpersonal, and physical demands of and skills required for college. Managing Emotions refers to students developing the ability to recognize and appropriately respond to, express, and control emotions. Students moving away from the strong needs for reassurance and approval, while simultaneously developing self-direction and problem-solving skills comprise part of Developing
Interdependence. At the same time, students are becoming more aware of the importance of interconnectedness with others. Mature Relationships refers to building lasting relationships, including accepting and appreciating difference. Identity, a vector which builds upon those that come before it, involves becoming comfortable with oneself, including one’s gender, race, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, and having a clear sense of self. Purpose is an active process whereby students are attempting to determine a life direction that makes sense for them. Finally, Integrity, which may not be achieved until well after
college, involves individuals developing a values system which balances their needs with those of others, and authentically living these values (Evans et al.). The nuances of each vector and how they play out for each student depends on a number of factors, and your student’s experience will be unique. However, there are some common experiences many students face. We have broken down this guide into years beyond the first year and have highlighted several of these experiences, as well as resources on campus students can turn to for support. We have also included some talking points at the end of each year’s section, “Can We Talk?,” for you to utilize with your student to enhance their development.
Evans, N. J., Forney, D. S., Guido, F. M., Patton, L D., & Renn, K. A. (2010) Student development in college: Theory, research and practice (2nd ed.). San Francisco, C.A.: Jossey-Bass.