Human development describes the stages in the lives of human beings that progress from birth to death. This essay will use theorists Erik Erikson and Daniel Levinson to compare early adulthood to middle adulthood focusing on their physical, cognitive, and social development. The essay will also define stress and discuss the best ways to deal with it. Young adulthood refers to adults between the ages of 20 and 40 (Berk, 2003). Young adults are at the peak of their physical development (Papalia, Olds, & Feldman, 2004). During this period, individuals will be more concerned about their health. Their health concerns may include diet, weight, exercise, and addiction (Santrock, 2002). According to Vander Zanden (1997), Erikson states that at each stage of their development, individuals will face unique events. These life events enable individuals to achieve their lifelong level of growth (Vander Zanden, 1997). Papalia and Olds (1998) assert that young adulthood is a time of success. This is the stage where decision making is important. Exercise their freedom to be independent and use what they learned during their adolescence. This is the time to explore, try things and weigh the pros and cons. It is also the stage where the individual chooses to move away from their family, to be independent, to make their own decisions, to buy their own house, to establish a budget, to finance, to find housing and live every day. Furthermore, Erikson's theory of intimacy versus isolation explains that At this stage, young adults will think about being intimate or having a close relationship with a person (Miller, 1983). This could be a friend they can confide in or a sexual partner (Miller, 1983). Those who get married at a certain time...... middle of paper ......stic and within a given time frame. Individuals must consider their values ​​and the things that have meaning in their lives. In conclusion, growth or both stages of life are totally governed by a series of situations, parenting and events that affect the outcome of how individuals will handle life changes. By using the human intellect and determining those aspects that are normal, life will be lived and a well-rounded person in society will be achieved. Because each person is different and individual, the outcome for everyone will be different. Mature people may face different stressful situations or circumstances than younger adults. They are more practical in dealing with stress and are more accepting of certain things in life that cannot be changed or improved, and can easily adapt to changes that will occur in life..