Emerging adulthood
Arnett proposes a theory that argues that adulthood is increasingly reached later and proposes a concept to define a stage of life between adolescence and adulthood: “emerging adulthood.”
What are the contours of emerging adulthood?
1) Arnett argues that emerging adulthood spans the period from 18-25. So after adolescence and into the mid 20s and is characterized by frequent life changes and identity explorations, especially in three arenas: love, work, and worldviews.
2) He argues that this development stage is distinct from both adolescence and adulthood.
3) He argues that this new period of development is confined to/distinct to industrialized nations (like Canada and the U.S.). So he says that this is a theory that cannot be generalized to nations that are not industrialized.
4) Key demographic changes have made this a distinct period in development and not just a brief period of transition into adult roles, according to Arnett:
- Marital delay
- Delay in child bearing/parenting
- Increase in percent of young Americans obtaining higher education
Arnett also argues that this period is characterized by high rates of risk behaviour, including unprotected sex, substance use, and risky driving behaviours.
These changes mean that the late teens and early 20s are no longer a time of entering and settling into adult roles. Instead, these are years of frequent change and exploration. Arnett calls this period the most volitional years for most people.