Young Adults
There are many different stages of development, from early childhood to adolescence to adulthood and beyond. One of the most transformative life stages is emerging adulthood, which is characterized by being in between adolescence and true adulthood (18-29 years old). Although people in this stage are legally adults, they have much to figure out about themselves, the world, and their place in it.
What is Emerging Adulthood?
Emerging adulthood is a stage that occurs between ages 18 and 29. During this time, individuals have survived the trials of adolescence, leaving them with a stronger sense of self than their younger peers. However, emerging adults are grappling with the many changes and transitions that come with leaving the nest and forging a life on their own, including the new responsibilities that arise with maintaining stable employment, having long-term relationships, and potentially buying houses and starting families.
Emerging adulthood was coined by psychology professor Jeffrey Jensen Arnett in 2000, after a 5-year study he conducted on people ages 18-29 years old. Throughout the study, Arnett interviewed individuals within this age range, asking questions about their experiences and feelings.
Despite interviewing young adults with a wide range of life histories and backgrounds, Arnett found distinct experiences that the majority of his interviewees shared. Many participants explained a feeling of being “in between” adolescence and true adulthood, struggling with the need for independence and familial ties. The interviewees also spoke about the struggle to find their identities, questioning who they are, what they want, and what they believe in. .
Tasks of Emerging Adults
Those entering this life stage have much to learn and many new responsibilities. They don’t have the support and structure that they received throughout childhood and adolescence, but many of them also haven’t quite developed the confidence and knowledge to seamlessly navigate their newfound independence. Not to mention, their brains are still developing until their mid-twenties. To add a layer of difficulty, there have never been more options for young adults to choose from in designing their lives.
Arnett identified three key tasks of becoming a full adult: accepting responsibility for oneself, supporting oneself financially, and making decisions independently. Emerging adults are working toward these milestones, but they also exist in a time of transition, which is inherently difficult for any age group. Some common transitional events of early adulthood are:
● Leaving home
● Finding a career path
● Finishing education
● Finding a long-term partner
● Beginning a family
● Creating a home
● Individuating from family/parents
● Redefining values and belief systems
● Making plans and goals for the future
Although these events are mostly positive, change is difficult for people of any age. Many emerging adults are grappling with the many transitions in their life structures, roles, and responsibilities.
The Big 5 Characteristics of Emerging Adulthood
Arnett identified five characteristics that define Emerging Adulthood:
Exploring and defining one’s identity, especially in work and relationships
Focus on the self- deciding what one wants
Feeling in between adolescence and adulthood
Instability in relationships, jobs, and housing
Open possibilities/opportunities to design one’s life
Along with the structural shifts in their lives of changing homes and jobs, emerging adults are experiencing internal transitions as well. Leaving home and being exposed to new people and schools of thought causes many young adults to question who they are, separating their beliefs from those of their parents and family. Big questions about identity and the future are central to this life stage.
Historical Reasons for Emerging Adulthood
As explained by Arnett, the occurrence of emerging adulthood is relatively new in our society. This developmental stage came into being in the second half of the 20th century, as a result of a number of cultural shifts in the 60’s and 70’s, along with economic changes. Due to the Technology Revolution, the Sexual Revolution, the Women’s Movement, and the Youth movement, the societal norms for adulthood-related milestones have been pushed back.
Technology allows parents to continue supporting their children even after they’ve left home, and a higher number of young adults are returning to live with their parents throughout early adulthood. Along with this, a higher rate of people are pursuing higher education after high school and college.
Societal expectations around marriage have also changed in the last few decades. 50 years ago, the median age for marriage was 20 for women and 22 for men. Currently, the median age is 24 for women and 28 for men. Because of this and other societal changes, emerging adults are transitioning into stable employment, long-term relationships, and parenthood much later than previous generations did, creating an “in between” developmental stage that previously didn’t exist.
Challenges of Emerging Adulthood
Arnett’s study found that emerging adults have big dreams for their lives, and that most hope for both a fulfilling, well-paying job and a long-lasting romantic partnership. Many emerging adults believe that they’ll make a life that is more fulfilling than that of their parents. However, trying to meet these goals can lead to disappointment, since finding the perfect job can be difficult and nearly half of marriages end in divorce.
Because of the changes, uncertainty, and instability of this pivotal time, mental health struggles often become present during this stage of life, leading a number of emerging adults to seek professional help. Along with this, the onset of many mental health disorders occurs in young adulthood, and a number of disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder become diagnosable during this age. People in late adolescence and early adulthood have higher rates of drug addiction and depression than any other group. Some mental health issues common in emerging adults include:
● Depression: this is a common mental illness among emerging adults, partly due to the confusion and uncertainty that comes from deciding on one’s identity, beliefs, and life path.
● Substance abuse: the normalization of binge drinking and party culture present in college contributes to high rates of drug and alcohol abuse. Along with this, emerging adults may abuse drugs and alcohol to cope with the challenges of this life stage.
● Anxiety: anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses on college campuses. From the pressure of figuring out independent life to the confusion that accompanies questioning one’s identity, emerging adulthood is full of challenges that can lead to anxiety.
● ADHD or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: this disorder is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness and can make higher education and “adulting” tasks like budgeting very difficult.
● Mood disorders: these are some of the most common mental health disorders experienced by young adults.
● Eating disorders: the onset of eating disorders typically occurs during adolescence and young adulthood.
● Suicide: emerging adults are also at risk of suicide, with suicide being the third highest cause of death in Americans for people aged 15 to 24 years old. Those with a history of mental health issues, a family history of suicide, and a history of previous suicide attempts are especially at risk.
Young adults who are struggling with mental health disorders and life transitions often benefit from the support of a mental health professional. However, this age range has a lower rate of seeking treatment than other ages, despite having a higher prevalence of mental health disorders.
Emerging Adults and Therapy
Those who do seek professional treatment from a therapist often do so for mental health disorders, for support in figuring out their independence, or for guidance in answering existential questions about their identities. Since young adults come to therapy for a range of issues, they can be supported with a variety of modalities. Interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be especially helpful for those struggling with depression, anxiety, or negative thought patterns. If possible, family therapy may be beneficial for young adults whose familial relationships are shifting.
Another modality that can be helpful for emerging adults is holistic therapy, which addresses the patient as a person, taking into account their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being rather than focusing on the diagnosis or symptoms the patient is experiencing. Since many young adults are full of existential questions about their identity and desires, this holistic approach can be beneficial.
Mindfulness can also be effective in helping young adults manage their symptoms and gain healthier perspectives. Mindfulness involves cultivating awareness of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, and practicing it can help with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and depression.
Young Adults
Young adults face a multitude of challenges that can be hard to figure out alone. We can help you overcome your past and plan your future. Continue your journey now.