IntroductionThis essay will explore the period of early adulthood, which is the period between the ages of 20 and 40 (the years vary according to different theories). This exploration will consist in observing, first of all, the typical stages of physical, cognitive and psychosocial development (separated into personal and social) of early adulthood, then in analyzing how the domestic and educational/professional environment influences development in early adulthood, and finally in describing depression. and the effects of depression on development during early adulthood. Typical Developmental Milestones During Early Adulthood During the period of early adulthood (20–40 years) the human body and mind continue to develop and change (Sigelman, Rider, & George-Walker, 2013 ). These changes occur in many different ways in the physical, cognitive and psychosocial areas, which will be divided into personal and social areas of human development. These are summarized in a comprehensive table found in Life Span Human Development (Appendix A) (Sigelman, Rider, & George-Walker, 2013). Physical Development Physically, early adulthood boasts no substantial visible changes, however changes are occurring. During the developmental stage of early adulthood, the physical development and maturation of the human body is complete, and brain waves display a more mature pattern in thinking, decision making, and general daily operations. Early adulthood also shows a peak in the senses and physical capabilities of the human body (Unknown, 2007). Thus, early adulthood does not visibly show substantial development or physical change in the human body, as in other developmental stages, but rather boasts a stable peak or high point of physical development... middle of paper.. .. ..a, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia. The editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica. (January 24, 2014). Depression. Retrieved from Encyclopedia Britannica: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/158349/depressionThe Free Dictionary. (2014). Cognitive development. Retrieved from the free dictionary: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cognitive+developmentU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, May 16). Depression. Retrieved from the US National Library of Medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003213.htmUniversity of Arkansas. (n.d.). Erikson's developmental stages. Retrieved from University of Arkansas: http://www.pccua.edu/keough/erikson's_stages_of_development.htmUnknown. (2007, April 7). Chapter 6: Early adulthood. Retrieved from Texas A&M University: https://www.tamu.edu/faculty/bortfeld/307/lectures/4.7_b+w.pdf