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Adult

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The term adult has at least three distinct meanings. It can indicate a biologically grown or mature person. It may also mean a plant, animal, or person who has reached full growth or alternatively is capable of reproduction, or the classification legal adult, generally determined as a person who has attained the legally fixed age of majority; as opposed to a minor.

Adulthood can be defined in biology, psychological adult development, law, personal character, or social status. These different aspects of adulthood are often inconsistent and contradictory. A person may be biologically an adult, and have adult behavior but still be treated as a child if they are under the legal age of majority. Conversely one may legally be an adult but possess none of the maturity and responsibility that define adult character.

Coming of age is an event; passing a series of tests to demonstrate the child is prepared for adulthood; or reaching a specified age, sometimes in conjunction with demonstrating preparation. Most modern societies determine legal adulthood based on reaching a legally-specified age without requiring a demonstration of physical maturity or preparation for adulthood.

Some propose that moving into adulthood involves an emotional structuring of denial, suggesting this process becomes necessary to cope with one's own behavior, especially in uncomfortable situations, and also the behavior of others.

For more information about Adult, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with adults

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Alzheimer's Gene Alters Brain Function in Young Adults

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created Sep 10, 2009 | popularity 4.9 / 5 (7) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- The gene most closely linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease affects brain activity in young adults -- much earlier in life than previously reported -- according to researchers at Duke ...


Achieving Fame, Wealth, and Beauty are Psychological Dead Ends, Study Says

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created May 14, 2009 | popularity 3.9 / 5 (14) | comments 4

(PhysOrg.com) -- If you think having loads of money, fetching looks, or the admiration of many will improve your life — think again. A new study by three University of Rochester researchers demonstrates that progress on these ...


New research suggests key to happiness is gratitude -- and men may be locked out

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Mar 13, 2009 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (11) | comments 4

With Mother's Day, Father's Day and high school and college graduations upcoming, there will be plenty of gift-giving and well wishes. When those start pouring in, let yourself be grateful—it's the best way to achieve happiness ...


American adults flunk basic science

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Mar 12, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (19) | comments 25

Are Americans flunking science? A new national survey commissioned by the California Academy of Sciences and conducted by Harris Interactive reveals that the U.S. public is unable to pass even a basic scientific literacy ...


Caffeine doesn't reverse the negative cognitive impact of alcohol, study shows

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Dec 07, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 2

People who drink may want to know that coffee won't sober them up, according to new laboratory research. Instead, a cup of coffee may make it harder for people to realize they're drunk.


When preschoolers ask questions, they want explanations

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Nov 13, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (4) | comments 5

Curiosity plays a big part in preschoolers' lives. A new study that explored why young children ask so many "why" questions concludes that children are motivated by a desire for explanation.


The Protein for Quick Decision-Makers

Medicine & Health / Research

created Oct 26, 2009 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (4) | comments 1

(PhysOrg.com) -- Everyday, people are required to make decisions quickly and flexibly. In a flash, they must weigh up the advantages, disadvantages and possible consequences of their behaviour and coordinate it with the relevant ...


First-time Internet users find boost in brain function after just 1 week

First-time Internet users find boost in brain function after just one week

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Oct 19, 2009 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (4) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- You can teach an old dog new tricks, say UCLA scientists who found that middle-aged and older adults with little Internet experience were able to trigger key centers in the brain that control ...


Is my robot happy to see me?

Is my robot happy to see me?

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Oct 19, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- People are social creatures. Robots... not so much. When we think of robots, we think of cold, metallic computers without emotion. If science fiction has taught us anything, though, it's that ...


Children are not the only ones in the game when it comes to sports

Children are not the only ones in the game when it comes to sports

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Aug 31, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Parents who sign their children up for sports as part of an educational experience and to learn about teamwork may be learning some of the same lessons themselves, according to new research from Purdue University.


What makes an accent in a foreign language lighter

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Aug 10, 2009 | popularity 3.7 / 5 (3) | comments 1

The more empathy one has for another, the lighter the accent will be when speaking in a second language. This is the conclusion of a new study carried out at the University of Haifa by Dr. Raphiq Ibrahim and Dr. Mark Leikin ...


Psychologists say longer lives can still lead to happier golden years

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Aug 07, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 3

As more people live well into their 80s and 90s, it's reassuring to know that most people get happier as they age and exert more emotional control than younger adults, according to researchers who spoke at the 117th Annual ...


Glass of wine

Regular moderate alcohol intake has cognitive benefits in older adults

Medicine & Health / Health

created Jul 13, 2009 | popularity 3.1 / 5 (7) | comments 1

A glass of wine here, a nightcap there - new research out of Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that moderate alcohol intake offers long-term cognitive protection and reduces the risk of dementia ...


Remembering what to remember and what to forget

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Jun 25, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

People in very early stages of Alzheimer's disease already have trouble focusing on what is important to remember, a UCLA psychologist and colleagues report.


Staying together 'for kids' sake' isn't always best

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Jun 01, 2009 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- The research is clear: Adolescents tend to fare better -- academically and behaviorally -- when they live with both biological parents. But when their parents frequently argue, young adults are significantly ...