Emerging Adulthood

Question 1

What age is emerging adulthood?

Answer 1

18-25

Question 2

Why do we need this phase?

Answer 2

• traditional markers of adulthood (like marriage, parenthood, and stable work) are delayed

Question 3

what is tertiary education

Answer 3

• the shift from a manufacturing economy to a knowledge economy
• growing demand from post-secondary institutions

Question 4

what are the benefits and problems of tertiary education

Answer 4

benefits
- higher earnings and occupational status
- lower unemployment rate
- higher career attainment

problems
- financial concerns
- for Americans, it now takes an average of 6 years to get a 4-year degree

Question 5

What are the five characteristics of emerging adulthood

Answer 5

1) feeling in-between - neither adolescent nor fully adult

2) Instability: frequent life changes

3) Self-focus: prioritizing personal growth and independence

4) Identity exploration: career, relationships, and worldview formation

5) Possibilities and optimism: a belief in limitless future opportunities

Question 6

Define resilience

Answer 6

overcoming adverse environmental circumstances

Question 7

compare resilience in adolescence vs emerging adulthood

Answer 7

adolescence
- at least one well-functioning parent
- higher intelligence
- greater physical attractiveness

emerging adulthood
- higher education
- military service
- religious community support

Question 8

What are the four identity statuses according to Erikson

Answer 8

• diffusion
• foreclosure
• moratorium
• achievement

Question 9

describe diffusion

Answer 9

exploration: no
commitment: no

ex. not sure of what career they want and don’t take the steps to figure it out

Question 10

describe foreclosure

Answer 10

exploration: no
commitment: yes

ex. decide to follow their parents’ career path without considering other options

Question 11

describe moratorium

Answer 11

exploration: yes
commitment: no

ex. try out different majors in college to decide what fits best

Question 12

describe achievement

Answer 12

exploration: yes
commitment: yes

ex. consider multiple career paths and confidently chooses one based on their values

Question 13

why does self-esteem rise during the emerging adult years?

Answer 13

• increased comfort with physical appearance after puberty
• peer evaluations from high school are left behind
• greater control and autonomy over life decision boost confidence

Question 14

Does parent relationships improve? Why or why not?

Answer 14

Yes, parent relationships improve
- children moving out creates a greater appreciation and perspective towards parents and selective engagement

Question 15

what is consensual validation

Answer 15

the tendency to seek partners who match one’s own characteristics

Question 16

why is substance use rates high in emerging adulthood?

Answer 16

• unstructured socializing
• peer influence
• exploration of identity
• transition to independence
• stress and coping
• cultural and environmental factors