According to Havighurst (1972), one of the key developmental tasks of early adulthood is

• A. Developing social skills
• B. Achieving autonomy
• C. Learning calculus
• D. Maintaining status quo

Answer: (B)

In Havighurst’s view, early adulthood centers on taking on adult roles and becoming independent. Achieving autonomy captures the move from relying on family to directing one’s own life—making independent decisions, handling finances, choosing where to live, and pursuing a career or education. This independence is what underpins forming intimate relationships, starting a family, and assuming broader social responsibilities. The other ideas don’t fit as neatly: social skills develop earlier in life, calculus isn’t identified as a developmental milestone, and maintaining the status quo runs contrary to the push toward new roles and self-direction in early adulthood.