Psychology

Life choices of emerging adults in India

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is marked by important decisions about life choices. These life choices have their roots in sociocultural and historical contexts. The present study used a mixed methodology, concept mapping, to understand the tasks that are deemed as important by emerging adults in India. Study 1 comprised five focus group discussions with individuals between 18 and 29 years (N = 40, Mage = 23) providing insights on the range of life choices. Study 2 (N = 60, Mage = 23) incorporated rating and sorting methodologies to derive cluster maps. Eight clusters emerged. In order of importance: responsibility toward family, independence/autonomy, financial security, education/career, parental expectations, romantic relationships, community and faith, and societal norms. Influences on decision-making of these life choices included self, others, circumstantial, and external. Findings have implications for adaptation to social change and overall well-being in emerging adulthood.

Publication Title

Emerging Adulthood

Publication Date

2021

Volume

9

Issue

3

First Page

229

Last Page

239

ISSN

2167-6968

DOI

10.1177/2167696819851891

Keywords

concept mapping, culture, developmental tasks, emerging adulthood, India, life choices, transitions to adulthood

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