Which stage follows the childhood years in Schaie’s cognitive development framework?

In Schaie’s cognitive development framework, the stage that follows the childhood years is the Achieving stage. This stage typically occurs in young adulthood, where individuals apply their intelligence to achieve personal and professional goals. It focuses on using cognitive abilities to solve problems, set goals, and navigate complex social and occupational demands.

During this stage, people often integrate their cognitive skills with practical experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of how to manage responsibilities and pursue life aspirations. This phase is characterized by the ability to harness knowledge and skills developed during previous stages to make informed decisions that shape one’s identity and future direction.

Understanding the Achieving stage is crucial as it highlights how individuals transition from the learning-oriented tasks of childhood to more goal-oriented and practical applications of their cognitive skills in adulthood.