Psychology

Emerging adulthood: A theory of development from the late teens through the twenties

Document Type

Article

Abstract

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.

Publication Title

American Psychologist

Publication Date

2000

Volume

55

Issue

5

First Page

469

Last Page

480

ISSN

0003-066X

DOI

10.1037/0003-066X.55.5.469

Keywords

emerging adulthood, adolescence, adults, theories, independence

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