In Life Cycle Theory, which stage starts to behave as an adult?

• A. Childhood Adolescent
• B. Early Adulthood
• C. Middle Adulthood
• D. Late Adulthood

Answer: (A)

Adolescence is when individuals begin to act in more adult-like ways, marking the shift toward adult functioning. In Life Cycle Theory, this stage brings increased autonomy, decision-making, and responsibility—traits that signal a move away from childlike dependence toward adult roles. During adolescence, youths start choosing education or work paths, managing personal finances, negotiating relationships, and exerting greater self-regulation, all of which lay the groundwork for the fuller adult roles that come in early adulthood. While early adulthood solidifies adult status, the initial emergence of adult-like behavior starts in adolescence. By middle and late adulthood, the focus shifts to maintaining maturity and adapting to aging, rather than the transition into adult-like functioning itself.