Question

4. EMERGING ADULT CHALLENGES: The time between the late teens and early twenties, referred to as “Emerging Adulthood,” has been identified as another unique period of the lifespan. Explain the difference between demographer’s definition of adulthood and emerging adult’s definition of adulthood. Researchers have claimed that the only thing that is ‘normative’ about this time in the lifespan is that ‘nothing is normative’. Describe THREE characteristics of this period that support this claim. What are two changes in identity development that are distinct to this period of the lifespan? Define who we are referring to when we discuss the “Forgotten Half”. Explain why these emerging adults are referred to as the forgotten half. Describe FOUR key factors that research has identified as important for adjusting to college. Who are at greatest risk for dropping out of college?

Answer 1

Emerging adulthood term was first introduced by Jeffery Jensen Arnett and is commonly defined as individuals ranging from their late adolescence through the twenties, particularly those between the ages of 18-25 years old (Arnett, 2000). He defined it as a period of development bridging adolescence and young adulthood. This period after high school through the late 20s is now considered a unique developmental phase. For Emerging Adults life typically filled with an unprecedented amount of change and a time for asking many deeply personal life questions. These changes can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.

Characteristics of Emerging Adults

- The age of instability - Emerging adults are faced with instabilities in areas concerning partners, jobs, and residences.

- The age of Identity Exploration - Emerging adults are continually trying to figure out who they are and who they would like to become, particularly in areas of romantic relationships and careers.

- The age of Self-focus- Adults at this stage delay significant adult responsibilities, such as marriage and parenthood, in an effort to enjoy the opportunity to exercise the freedom they now have without their parents governing their moves.

The focus on identity issues in emerging adulthood can be seen in the three main areas of identity exploration: love, work, and worldviews. Identity formation involves trying out various life possibilities and gradually moving toward making enduring decisions. Explorations in love become more intimate and serious. Romantic relationships last longer than in adolescence. With regard to work, it becomes more focused in exploration of various work possibilities.

The forgotten half are emerging adults who do not pursue further education after secondary school. Although college remains a popular choice, many emerging adults do not attend, and are often forgotten in research conducted on college campuses.

Four key factors that research has identified as important for adjusting to college are:

1. Self-esteem - a measure of global self-esteem helps tap negative self-evaluations and dissatisfaction with personal achievement.

2. Interpersonal problems/ Social adjustment - interpersonal problems are extent of problems in relating to others in the campus environment.

3. Family problems - These are a measure of difficulties experienced in relationships with family members.

4. Academic adjustment - This refers to coping skills of students to various educational demands inherent in university life.

Students who are at a risk of dropping out of college display certain easily identifiable characteristics, these are:

Demographics - Students coming from a low-income family as well as students from a racial or ethnic minority group have greater chances of dropping out.

Performance - Research has found performance indicators that can identify students at risk of dropping out. These include poor grades, low attendance, as well as lack of engagement with academic activities.