Emerging Adulthood

What Is It, and What Is It Good For

Bibliographic Data

ID5848986
AuthorsJeffrey Jensen Arnett (0000-0002-6968-7168, Clark University, corresponding author)
Year2007
Volume1
Issue2
Pages68-73
Publication date2007-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChild Development Perspectives (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1750-8592 • E-ISSN: 1750-8606
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00016.x
OpenAlexW2147867618
LanguageEN
Citations received721
References cited28

This article asserts that the theory of emerging adulthood is a useful way of conceptualizing the lives of people from their late teens to their mid- to late 20s in industrialized societies. The place of emerging adulthood within the adult life course is discussed. The weaknesses of previous terms for this age period are examined, and emerging adulthood is argued to be preferable as a new term for a new phenomenon. With respect to the question of whether emerging adulthood is experienced positively or negatively by most people, it is argued that it is positive for most people but entails developmental challenges that may be difficult and there is great heterogeneity, with some emerging adults experiencing serious problems. With respect to the question of whether or not emerging adulthood is good for society, it is argued that claims of the dangers of emerging adulthood are overblown, but emerging adulthood is probably a mixed blessing for society

Adult Development · Blessing · Early adulthood · Life course approach · Phenomenon · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

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