Emerging Adulthood: The Delayed Transition to Adulthood

The feeling of being caught in between adolescence and adulthood is a phenomenon that had arisen within the last three decades. This delay is occurring because of the social and economic changes that are developing within the United States. The multiple research journals believe the age range to vary slightly; some suggest that the delay occurs between the ages of 18-25, others suggest it occurs between 18-29 years of age. Learning to be responsible for self at this time has proven to be difficult and confusing for those experiencing late adolescence. When Dr. Arnett suggested a new period of life-span has occurred he dubbed it “Emerging Adulthood”. Fascinating enough was the fact that although social backgrounds changed, and economic prospects

This is a succinct way for research to determine these emerging adults’ intrinsic motivations. Aspirations about the future have been determined to play an incredibly important role in the building of self-determination. Self-determination is the processes in which an individual controls their own life; without the influence from outsiders. Self-determination clearly points out values of the individual, and makes it easier to assess if motivations are intrinsic or extrinsic for the emerging adult. From the research I gleaned that for most of these boomerang kids, their extrinsic motivations were wealth related, and financial success, yet they are ironically delaying their own financial independence from their parents. The intrinsic motivations I noticed seemed to center on self-acceptance, affiliation, and community involvement; which seemed to be the most

Truth some in this developmental stage struggle, and some prosper. It seems that a successful launch of the in-betweener is a balanced dance of the emerging adult wanting independence and the parents giving a balanced amount of support. The proper push and pull philosophy of launching an emerging adult, is not only needed from the parents but from society as