Emerging adulthood. A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties.
Emerging adulthood is proposed as a new conception of development for the period from the late teens through the twenties, with a focus on ages 18-25. A theoretical background is presented. Then evidence is provided to support the idea that emerging adulthood is a distinct period demographically, subjectively, and in terms of identity explorations. How emerging adulthood differs from adolescence and young adulthood is explained. Finally, a cultural context for the idea of emerging adulthood is outlined, and it is specified that emerging adulthood exists only in cultures that allow young people a prolonged period of independent role exploration during the late teens and twenties.
Arnett
J J
JJ
Department of Human Development, University of Maryland, College Park 20742, USA. arnett@wam.umd.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012380:Role; D012649:Self Concept; D012951:Socialization