PROBLEM 6. EMERGING ADULTHOOD 1
Emerging Adulthood: A Theory of Development From the Late
Teens Through the Twenties
(Jeffrey Jensen Arnett)
Emerging adulthood: focuses on ages from 18-25, and is distinct
from adolescence and adulthood on a theoretical and empirical
basis.
Away from childhood/adolescence dependency but also far
from enduring responsibilities of adulthood
Time of independent exploration with many possibilities
The most volitional years of life
It is culturally constructed so it is not universal
Theoretical Background
Erik Erikson
Prolonged adolescence in industrialized societies
Psychosocial moratorium: period during which the young
adults can engage in free experimentation and may find a
position in a specific section
Without naming it he described a period of delayed
commitments and responsibilities and intensified exploration
Daniel Levinson
Novice phase of development: (17-33) during that time the
task is to move into the adult world. The person experiences
change and instability and examines all possibilities in aspects
of life like work and love obtain a structure
Kenneth Keniston
Emphasized on the role of exploration but also gave a
description of that time as “tension between self/society” and
“refusal of socialization”
Used the term “youth” which is ambiguous and makes it
difficult to distinguish between teens and twenties.
Demographic perspective
Great demographic variability between 18-25 years that is not
apparent in ages 12-17 or around 30 years.
Roleless role (PARSON): wide scope of possibility because
of the few constraints on role requirements, which can explain
the demographic variability
Demographically dense period from 18 to 30
, PROBLEM 6. EMERGING ADULTHOOD 2
Residential changes
Semi-autonomous: leave home for college and take on
some responsibilities but still rely on others
Independent: getting a full-time job and take on all
responsibilities
Cohabitation with romantic partner
Remain home (very small percentage)
o Changes are very evident during that time, going back
and forth to their parents’ house
School attendance
A non-linear pursuit of their degree, where they work at the
same time or stop attending courses at some times
1/3 of the people who obtained a degree continue into a post-
graduate program the following
year
Subjective perspective
Until their late 20s they do not regards themselves as neither
adolescents no adults
Demographic qualities: bottom of importance by EAs but
parenthood is one exception that can lead to a shift
Individualistic qualities of character
Accepting responsibility for one’s self
Making independent decisions
Financial independence
Self-sufficient person: goal of emerging adulthood transitional
characteristic that is influenced by these three qualities (20s-late
20s)
Identity Exploration
Identity exploration: in love, work and worldviews begins during
adolescence but mostly takes place during emerging adulthood.
Emerging Adulthood: A Theory of Development From the Late
Teens Through the Twenties
(Jeffrey Jensen Arnett)
Emerging adulthood: focuses on ages from 18-25, and is distinct
from adolescence and adulthood on a theoretical and empirical
basis.
Away from childhood/adolescence dependency but also far
from enduring responsibilities of adulthood
Time of independent exploration with many possibilities
The most volitional years of life
It is culturally constructed so it is not universal
Theoretical Background
Erik Erikson
Prolonged adolescence in industrialized societies
Psychosocial moratorium: period during which the young
adults can engage in free experimentation and may find a
position in a specific section
Without naming it he described a period of delayed
commitments and responsibilities and intensified exploration
Daniel Levinson
Novice phase of development: (17-33) during that time the
task is to move into the adult world. The person experiences
change and instability and examines all possibilities in aspects
of life like work and love obtain a structure
Kenneth Keniston
Emphasized on the role of exploration but also gave a
description of that time as “tension between self/society” and
“refusal of socialization”
Used the term “youth” which is ambiguous and makes it
difficult to distinguish between teens and twenties.
Demographic perspective
Great demographic variability between 18-25 years that is not
apparent in ages 12-17 or around 30 years.
Roleless role (PARSON): wide scope of possibility because
of the few constraints on role requirements, which can explain
the demographic variability
Demographically dense period from 18 to 30
, PROBLEM 6. EMERGING ADULTHOOD 2
Residential changes
Semi-autonomous: leave home for college and take on
some responsibilities but still rely on others
Independent: getting a full-time job and take on all
responsibilities
Cohabitation with romantic partner
Remain home (very small percentage)
o Changes are very evident during that time, going back
and forth to their parents’ house
School attendance
A non-linear pursuit of their degree, where they work at the
same time or stop attending courses at some times
1/3 of the people who obtained a degree continue into a post-
graduate program the following
year
Subjective perspective
Until their late 20s they do not regards themselves as neither
adolescents no adults
Demographic qualities: bottom of importance by EAs but
parenthood is one exception that can lead to a shift
Individualistic qualities of character
Accepting responsibility for one’s self
Making independent decisions
Financial independence
Self-sufficient person: goal of emerging adulthood transitional
characteristic that is influenced by these three qualities (20s-late
20s)
Identity Exploration
Identity exploration: in love, work and worldviews begins during
adolescence but mostly takes place during emerging adulthood.
