Supporting Individuals Through Emerging Adulthood

Think back to your 18-year-old self. Did you consider yourself totally independent? Financially stable? Confident that you had this whole “adulting” thing down?

If you answered “absolutely not” to any or all of the above questions, you are not alone! Turns out, we don’t magically become professional adults overnight on our 18th birthday.

In 2000, Jeffery Arnett, Professor of Psychology at Clark University in Massachusetts, coined the term “emerging adulthood” to describe the phase of development which occurs between the ages of 18-25 years. This is the time of life when many are experiencing transitional events such as graduating high school and beginning college, moving out of a parent or guardian’s home to live on one’s own, beginning a career, or pursuing a serious relationship. This is also a critical period of life for exploring one’s identity, experiencing instability, and self-focus. During the emerging adulthood period, individuals find themselves more independent in some areas, yet in other areas they are still looking toward parents or college authorities for support and guidance.

While emerging adulthood can be an exciting transitional period full of exploration and possibility, the instability and big life changes that come with it can seriously impact mental health. If you work with individuals navigating this period of development or interact with them on a regular basis, supporting them through this trying time is critical. The status of their mental health through this phase can directly impact their mental health into adulthood.

How can you support someone through emerging adulthood?

1. Educate yourself on the developmental differences between adolescence, emerging adulthood, and adulthood. Emerging adulthood is still a relatively new phase of development and many individuals and systems are unfamiliar with the developmental differences that accompany emerging adulthood. Check out the references below for suggested readings.

2. Provide a listening ear. Research has shown that emerging adults who reflect on and participate in discussions regarding their values, life goals, and purpose are more likely to achieve their goals and have greater life satisfaction.

3. Support opportunities for career exploration. Emerging adulthood is a stage for exploring college majors and career options. Your willingness to connect with or provide a job shadowing or internship experience with an emerging adult could be a great way for them to try out a potential career path.

Emerging adulthood is a complicated and an oftentimes overwhelming process. Those who work regularly with emerging adults such as post secondary level educators may have unreasonable expectations for the level of confidence and competence individuals navigating this phase may or may not have. Educating yourself on this phase of development and providing a space to reflect and explore different opportunities can positively impact the mental health and life satisfaction of individuals as they navigate emerging adulthood and become successful adults.

References

Arnett, J.J (2000). Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties. American Psychologist, 469-480.

Arnett, J. J., Žukauskienė, R., & Sugimura, K. (2014). The new life stage of emerging adulthood at ages 18–29 years: Implications for mental health. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(7), 569-576.

Bundick, M. J. (2011). The benefits of reflecting on and discussing purpose in life in emerging adulthood. New directions for youth development, 2011(132), 89-103.