scholarly journals Identity Distress Throughout Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Age Trends and Associations With Exploration and Commitment Processes

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 333-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Palmeroni ◽  
Laurence Claes ◽  
Margaux Verschueren ◽  
Annabel Bogaerts ◽  
Tinne Buelens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Identity Exploration ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Age Trends

The process of identity formation can cause a considerable amount of distress leading to pathological forms of identity distress. The present study examined age trends in identity distress and associations with identity exploration and commitment in a sample of 2,286 Flemish adolescents and emerging adults (14–30 years, 55.7% females). Important and theoretically meaningful age trends in identity distress were uncovered. More specifically, identity distress demonstrated a curvilinear trend with the highest levels of distress occurring in emerging adulthood. Concerning the associations between identity distress and identity processes, we found differences among the age periods studied. Identity distress was especially positively related to exploration in breadth and negatively to commitment making in the late 20s, but less so in adolescence and the early 20s. In sum, these results provide important insights into identity distress throughout adolescence and emerging adulthood. Theoretical implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals The Revised Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA-R) and Substance Use Among College Students

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon-Patrick Allem ◽  
Steve Sussman ◽  
Jennifer B. Unger
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Substance Use Prevention ◽  
Identity Exploration

Transition-to-adulthood themes, or thoughts and feelings about emerging adulthood, have been measured by the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) and found to be associated with substance use among emerging adults. It has been suggested, however, that the IDEA is lengthy and may not include the most unique and theoretically relevant constructs of emerging adulthood. The Revised Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA-R) was developed as an alternative instrument, but research has yet to determine the relationship between the IDEA-R and substance use among emerging adults (ages 18–25 years). College students completed surveys indicating their identification with transition-to-adulthood themes and substance use. Logistic regression models examined the associations between transition-to-adulthood themes and marijuana use and binge drinking, respectively. Participants who felt emerging adulthood was a time of identity exploration were less likely to report marijuana use, while feelings of experimentation/possibility were positively associated with marijuana use and binge drinking. The IDEA-R may be useful for identifying correlates of substance use among emerging adults. Future research should evaluate the IDEA-R among representative samples of emerging adults to confirm the findings of this study. Health professionals working in substance use prevention may consider targeting the themes of identity exploration and experimentation/possibility in programs intended for emerging adults.

The Role of Financial Identity Processes in Financial Behaviors and Financial Well-Being

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110161
Author(s):  
Rimantas Vosylis ◽  
Angela Sorgente ◽  
Margherita Lanz
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Behaviors ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Financial Identity

Financial identity formed during emerging adulthood is important for the regulation of youth financial behaviors, decisions, and long-term financial goals. This three-wave short-term longitudinal study investigates how youth develop a distinct manner of approaching and managing personal finances and reveals the structure and dynamics of financial identity development during emerging adulthood. Using the cross-lagged panel model analysis, it also investigates longitudinal reciprocal associations between financial identity processes, financial behaviors, and financial well-being of emerging adults. The sample consists of 533 Lithuanian higher education students (56.8% women; M age = 18.93, SD age = 0.71) who took part in three assessment waves. The findings support the use of the three-factor model of financial identity formation and show that financial identity formation is shaped by emerging adults’ financial situation and contribute to the formation of financial behaviors and financial well-being. Practical implications of study results are also discussed.

Daily Subjective Age in Emerging Adults: “Now We’re Stressed Out”

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 468-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Bellingtier ◽  
Shevaun D. Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Daily Diary ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Identity Exploration ◽  
Daily Diary Design ◽  
Daily Variability ◽  
Psychological Dimensions

During the emerging adulthood years, individuals explore their identities and often report feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood. These characteristics may correspond to greater variability in how old individuals feel. This study examined the daily variability in emerging adults’ subjective ages, as well as its association with daily stressors and the psychological dimensions of identity exploration and feeling in-between. Using a 9-day daily diary design, the study measured 106 emerging adults’ (18–22 years old) daily stressors, daily subjective ages, and endorsement of the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood. Findings indicated that over half of the variability in emerging adults’ subjective ages occurred within person, and daily stressors could predict this variability. Furthermore, those high in identity exploration and feeling in-between were most likely to respond to daily stressors by feeling older. Results suggest that psychological identification with emerging adulthood amplifies responses to daily stressors and predicts feeling subjectively older.

Diverse Trajectories at the Intersection of Religion and Sexuality During Emerging Adulthood

2021 ◽  
pp. 347-370
Author(s):  
Brian J. Willoughby ◽  
Loren D. Marks ◽  
David C. Dollahite
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Intimacy ◽  
Sexual Values ◽  
Sexual Decision Making ◽  
Religious Lives ◽  
Religion And Sexuality

This chapter explores the intersection of religion and sex among emerging adults. It first discusses the extant empirical literature related to how religion influences sexual behavioral decisions as well as the link between religion and sexual values and attitudes. It then acknowledges a general waning from religion during emerging adulthood but presents diverse trajectories related to the religious lives of emerging adults and their sexual decision making. Next, the chapter discusses a variety of pathways and trajectories through which emerging adults may travel as they navigate decisions involving relationships and sexual intimacy and how such decisions are, may be, or are not influenced by religion. The four presented trajectories are religious rejecters, religious remainers, religious returners, and religious innovators. The chapter concludes by addressing some additional complexities regarding emerging adults, religion, and sex and offers some concluding questions and directions for future research.

How Can I Be a Real Adult?

2019 ◽  
pp. 9-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varda R. Mann-Feder
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Formation Process ◽  
Identity Theory ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Developmental Approach ◽  
Optimal Development ◽  
Care Leavers

This chapter proposes that developmental theory can provide multiple lenses through which the transition to adulthood for youth from care can be understood and supported. This chapter outlines the benefits of a developmental approach and presents theories, such as Erikson’s identity theory and the theory of emerging adulthood, which stresses the importance of the identity formation process; attachment processes throughout the lifespan; and loss, grief, and mourning as it relates to the experiences of youth removed from home and placed incare. Relevant research with care leavers is reviewed, and implications are outlined for practice, policy, and future research that promotes optimal development for youth leaving care.

Emerging Adults Who Have Flourished Through a Physical Health Challenge

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaehee Yi ◽  
Tian Tian ◽  
Jonghee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Career Path ◽  
Developmental Outcomes ◽  
Illness Experience ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Illness Experiences ◽  
Specific Career

This chapter elucidates the positive developmental outcomes of emerging adults facing physical chronic illness in five areas, using the emerging adulthood theory: (1) exploring identity, (2) being self-focused, (3) feeling in between adolescence and adulthood, (4) experiencing uncertainty and instability, and (5) having optimism/perceiving possibilities. The chapter describes how emerging adults with physical health challenges might flourish more than their healthy peers in each of the five areas, despite or even because of their illness experiences. For example, they are likely to develop a specific career path related to their illness experience, be more autonomous and mature, and have greater tolerance and resilience. The chapter also includes limitations and directions for future research.

The role of transitional instability, psychological distress, and dysfunctional drinking in emerging adults’ involvement in risky sex

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1097-1119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill R. Bowers ◽  
Chris Segrin ◽  
Nicholas Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Risk Taking ◽  
Peer Acceptance ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking

The consequences of risky sexual behaviors are a serious health concern. We hypothesized that the transitional instability that occurs as a part of typical developmental changes in emerging adulthood would be positively associated with sexual risk taking. A survey of emerging adults showed that the instability–sexual risk-taking association was positive and significant as predicted. Moreover, psychological distress (depression and loneliness) and dysfunctional drinking motivations (drinking to ease emotional pain or to gain peer acceptance) moderated and intensified the association between instability and sexual risk taking. Implications for future research with instability and risk-taking behaviors in emerging adulthood are discussed.

scholarly journals Emerging adults’ family relationships in the 21st century: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Oliveira ◽  
Gabriela Fonseca ◽  
Luciana Sotero ◽  
Carla Crespo ◽  
Ana Paula Relvas
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Transition To Adulthood ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Parent Child Relationship ◽  
Parent Child

<p>The current study aims to describe the relationships between emerging adults and their families and how these evolve over emerging adult years. Through a systematic review of the literature, we extracted data from 38 empirical studies, which met the following inclusion criteria: published since 2000, included emerging adults and/or their relatives as participants, and focused on family relationships. The results showed that most studies examined the parent-child relationship, providing insight into the relational renegotiations occurring during emerging adulthood and into inter-generational discrepancies in the way that parents and children viewed their relationships. Family support was also found to be of substantial relevance during this developmental stage. In addition, sex, age, living arrangements, family structure, socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity and cultural contexts emerged as key factors influencing family relationships in varied ways. Implications for future research include the need to consider the family as the unit of analysis and to collect data from multiple family members; to conduct longitudinal studies in order to better understand changes in family relationships across emerging adulthood; and to focus on family relationships beyond the parent-child dyads, namely on sibling and grandparent-grandchildren relationships. In conclusion, this review provided a renewed perspective on family relationships during the transition to adulthood, contributing to clinical insights on individual and familial shifts in the fast-paced and complex contemporary context. </p>

Identity Formation and Moral Development in Emerging Adulthood

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lapsley ◽  
Sam A. Hardy
Keyword(s):  
Moral Development ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Moral Self ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Personal Formation

We argue in this chapter that moral development and identity formation are not disjunctive topics, and that morality and identity ramify in the personal formation of emerging adults in ways that have dispositional implications for how the rest of their lives go. Moral self-identity is crucial to living a life of purpose and for setting one’s life projects on a pathway that contributes to well-being, generativity, and integrity. We first review research on the role of moral purpose in personality development and the conditions that encourage it. We then review the major ways that self-identity has been conceptualized in terms of statuses, processes, and narratives, with particular emphasis on the achievement of identity maturity and its contribution to successful adaptation. We then discuss moral self-identity more directly and outline gaps in the literature and possible lines of future research.

Sexual Activity in the Context of Romantic Relationships

2021 ◽  
pp. 99-116
Author(s):  
Spencer B. Olmstead ◽  
Kristin M. Anders
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Emerging Adulthood ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Committed Relationships ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Developmental Experiences ◽  
Current Trends

Romantic relationships and sexuality have been described as crucial developmental experiences during emerging adulthood. One key belief is that many emerging adults are delaying more traditional romantic relationships (e.g., marriage) in favor of more sexually based relationships or avoiding relationships altogether. With increased engagement in sex outside the context of committed relationships, recent research has focused more on the sexual relationships of emerging adults; however, many scholars have shown that there are a variety of diverse pathways that emerging adults take when developing romantic and sexual relationships, and these continue to be an important influence during this period. This chapter discusses current trends in both sexual and romantic relationships of emerging adults, including how these experiences are linked. It also discusses trends related to sex and commitment, stayover relationships and cohabitation, and infidelity during this period. It concludes with recommendations for future research and practice.

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