MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
In this period, the individual has reached the plateau of his cognitive development. It should be noted that age is not the only factor affecting intelligence in young adulthood. Education and a healthy and happy background of the individual are other factors that affect intelligence in adulthood. In addition, memory and creativity reached their peak during this period.
Various tests were used to measure the intelligence levels of young adults. However, the majority of tests lead to various misconceptions when concluding by comparison with child and adolescent tests. Few tests match adult skill and expertise in real-life situations.
These tests measure an individual’s highest level of intelligence; but, in real life, it is possible to live below this level without any problems. Therefore, although the scores on the tests decrease with age, this may have no effect on daily life.
Longitudinal studies show that individuals between the ages of 20-40 have a very high stability in their mental abilities. Cross-sectional studies reveal a decline in abilities in adulthood. Again, according to some studies; shows that individuals who are mentally very talented in childhood and adolescence reach a plateau when they reach young adulthood.
On the other hand, less talented individuals learn more slowly, reach the plateau earlier, and then show a rapid decline (Schiamberg, 1985:509).
The stages of mind development are completed at puberty; However, adult thinking differs from adolescent thinking in many ways. Adult thinking is considered to be less self-centered, more rational, more practical. These cognitive patterns in adulthood occur as a result of the responsibilities and connections that the individual takes in adult life.
As a result; In this period, a plateau was reached in the intellectual capacity, learning and mental activities of the individual, and after that, a high determination was observed.
