Emerging Adulthood: Developmental Period Facilitative of the Addictions.
Following adolescence and prior to young adulthood is a life developmental period that has been referred to as "emerging adulthood." This period of life involves an extended duration of learning and experimentation before settling into a career and stable relationship. Risky behaviors may be most tolerated or even promoted during emerging adulthood. Various substance and behavioral addictions are most likely to be realized during this period. Understanding what differentiates emerging adults that develop or do not develop full-blown addictions will assist in the creation of more efficacious prevention and cessation programs.
Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA ssussma@usc.edu.
Steve
S
Sussman
Department of Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA, USA.
Jeffrey Jensen
JJ
Arnett
D000293:Adolescent; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult / Q000523:psychology*
addictions; emerging adulthood; substance misuse