Emerging adult versus adult status among college students: examination of explanatory variables.
The first purpose of this study was to report how many college students, 18 to 25 years of age, are classified as "emerging adults," "undecideds" or "adults." The second purpose was to determine the relationships between emerging adults versus adults and (a) background characteristics, (b) risk-taking behaviors; (c) sensation-seeking scores, and (d) income. A survey was administered to a total of 450 students enrolled in psychology classes in a southern state. Based on responses to four questions, 186 (41%) were emerging adults, 148 (33%) undecided, and 116 (26%) adults. Adult status was not significantly associated with gender or parenthood. Adults were more likely to be African-American and low income and were less likely to consume alcohol, binge drink, smoke cigarettes, and gamble. In addition, adults had significantly lower disinhibition scores than emerging adults.
Blinn-Pike
Lynn
L
Department of Sociology, 425 University Blvd., 303 Cavanaugh Hall, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Worthy
Sheri Lokken
SL
Jonkman
Jeffrey N
JN
Smith
G Rush
GR
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult