Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and sociopolitical stressors have negative consequences for young adults’ mental health. The current study examined how patterns of ACEs were associated with ev...

The current study was aimed at exploring (a) the links between perceived parenting styles (i.e., authoritarian parenting and authoritative parenting) and implicit theories of relationships (i.e., d...

Western cultural environments present an increasingly challenging landscape for young people’s mental health. To better understand how this cultural environment may be influencing the lives of youn...

Background: Using a multigroup path analysis, we examined if hazardous alcohol use mediated the relations between elevated externalizing personality traits (i.e., impulsivity or sensation seeking) ...

This study examined the interactive effects of sociocultural influence from different sources (parent, peer, and media) and eating expectancy on bulimic symptoms among 116 female college students e...

The present study examined the empirical and conceptual association between two definitions of trait mindfulness (socio-cognitive and mindfulness-meditation) and trait, cognitive, and self-presenta...

First-year college students in the 2019-2020 academic year are at risk of having their mental health, identity work, and college careers derailed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess eme...

Longitudinal data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used to evaluate the impact of post-high school military enlistment during emerging adulthood. Comparisons ...

The current study elucidates the role that close relationships play on emerging adults’ psychological distress. We examined the associations between maternal, paternal, and romantic partner strain ...

Entering college is recognized as a developmental milestone. Completing college is difficult, however, and students who are first-generation (FG) or low-income (LI) or both (FGLI) encounter unique ...

Early romantic relationships are salient to the development of healthy future relationships. Yet, little is known about the evolution of romantic relationships of emerging adults since most of the ...

This exploratory mixed methods study examines how the emerging adulthood development tasks of autonomy, intimacy, and identity are reflected in the social media (SM) uses and gratifications during ...

The current study reports on a new measure of sibling relationship quality, the Emerging Adults’ Relationships with Siblings Scale (EARSS), which was developed via one qualitative study (Study 1: M...

Building upon two complimentary theoretical frameworks related to group relations (i.e., Intergroup Contact Theory and Peer Exposure), we examined how emerging adults’ friendships with men and wome...

The formation and maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, a developmental milestone for many emerging adults, has been challenged by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the...

In a community sample of emerging adults (N = 232), this study (a) assessed participants’ exposure to and postings about alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana across social media platfor...

Objectives: We aimed to understand how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) correlated with undergraduates’ examination performance, while looking at the contributions of attentional control and re...

Evidence suggests that post-secondary students without pre-existing mental health concerns may have experienced worsening mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns. To clarify the psychological impacts of the pandemic, and elucidate why differences may exist among students, 20 interviews were conducted with emerging adults enrolled in

This study investigated how emerging adults’ processes of individuation from their parents relate to their perceptions of Arnett’s defining features of emerging adulthood. It specifically examined differences in perceptions of emerging adulthood and individuation as functions of college-going versus non-college-going status, age across the full emerging adult range (18–29), and living situation (independently

Social media engagements are integral to the lives and experiences of emerging adults. The aim of this study was to explore social media as a space where South African emerging adults shape and ref...

College students with ADHD are at elevated risk for problem drinking behaviors and depression symptoms relative to their peers without ADHD. However, mechanisms underlying these constructs are unclear. This cross-sectional study examines two models: (1) alcohol-related negative consequences account for the covariation between ADHD symptom severity and depression symptoms and (2) depression symptoms

Although one goal of the use of autonomy restricting parenting behavior is to keep teens psychologically dependent on the parent, research has yet to examine whether such behavior actually predicts later parental dependency. Thus, the present longitudinal, multi-method study investigates at which points across adolescence this behavior predicts parental dependency in emerging adulthood, and whether

Using latent profile analysis, we derived psychological profiles of undergraduates during the pandemic and investigated profiles’ differential associations with COVID-19 impact and social adjustment. Participants (N = 517) completed measures of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, and two indices of social adjustment: friendship support and social connectedness. We identified Severe, Moderate, and

Research on dispositional authenticity has accelerated in recent years. Using the Authenticity Scale and drawing upon Self-Determination Theory, we conducted a Latent Profile Analysis to determine whether two or more distinct classes of authentic self-development were identifiable across separate samples (Ns = 344 and 378) of emerging adults (18–22 year olds). We also tested whether multidimensional

Hooking up may be one pathway for sexual and gender minority (SGM) emerging adults to explore their sexual identity development while they navigate heteronormative milestones. Framed by Dillon et al.’s (2011) model of universal sexual identity development, we examined 24 interviews with SGM emerging adults to understand whether and how hooking up aided in the development of their sexual identities

The COVID-19 pandemic has incited widespread anti-Asian racism, which is linked to numerous behavioral health consequences including depressive symptoms. As racism-induced depressive symptoms are linked to coping-related alcohol use and because alcohol-related problems represent a significant public health concern in this population, we investigated whether COVID-19 racism predicted alcohol use severity

This study examined the relationship between living up to parental expectations (LPE) and life satisfaction as well as the moderating effect of psychological separation on this relationship among South Korean college students. The participants (N = 343) completed an online survey measuring the study variables. We divided psychological separation into conflictual independence (CI) and general independence

We used the narrative vignette/storytelling approach to provide a holistic illustration of prescription stimulant misuse [PSM] and diversion [PSD] initiation and maintenance among college-attending emerging adults. We conducted 32 semi-structured, theory-guided interviews with 20 students during spring and summer 2019. The participants were diverse with respect to age, race/ethnicity and gender, and

This study examined the individual and interactive associations between self-esteem, social anxiety, and real and false self-presentation on Facebook. Data came from a college sample of 216 emerging adult Facebook users (M age ≈ 23, 171 women). Findings indicate that social anxiety moderated the association between self-esteem and false self-presentation, such that emerging adults low in self-esteem

Dimensional models of adversity, whereby experiences lie along dimensions of threat and deprivation, are increasingly popular; however, their empirical validation is limited. In a sample of emerging adults (N = 1662; Mage = 20.72; 53% female; 72% Black), we conducted exploratory factor analyses using adversities derived from items probing family relationships and a validated assessment of traumatic

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the motives and patterns of Instagram use among a sample of Belgian and Peruvian youths. 19 participants aged 18–28 underwent in-depth interviews to assess what Instagram means to them, why and how they use it, and what consequences of their use they perceive. The most recurrent motivations for using Instagram were self-expression, curiosity, documenting

Emerging-adult undergraduates (ages 18–25) are at increased risk for mental illness, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, emerging adults face developmental tasks including identity development, finding meaning and purpose, and spiritual individuation. A case study approach is used to elucidate processes of undergraduates coping with collective trauma as a potential pathway to trauma-related

The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between weight misperception, age at first intercourse, and lifetime number of sex partners. We used Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 11,522; 53.7% female), collected in 2001–2002. Results show that men who underestimate their weight have more lifetime sexual partners compared to men who accurately

Co-rumination is a form of self-disclosure that occurs within conversations and involves frequent, repetitive, and speculative discussions of personal problems and negative feelings (Rose, 2002). Typically, co-rumination occurs and is examined in the context of close dyadic relationships, as this construct was originally proposed as a relationship process between same-sex friends (Rose, 2002). Since

Empirical evidence supported the existence of different meaning-making profiles among youths, however, it is unknown whether these profiles are related to specific transitional conditions. The present study applied a multi-group Latent Profile Analysis to examine the generalizability and criterion-validity of meaning-making profiles across two samples of emerging and young adults living different contextual

Utilizing a sample of 4182 U.S. emerging adults and structural equation modeling, we examined how parent financial socialization received during childhood and adolescence is associated with mental health in emerging adulthood and whether locus of control is an intervening variable. Financial socialization was negatively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and positively associated with

Admiration is a social emotion that has implications for behavior, such as leading to a desire to emulate the admired person. This study extends previous findings about admired attributes among emerging adults, by investigating the same topic in Greece and also exploring the relationship between admired person types and admired qualities, gender, and socio-economic status. A total of 198 participants

Researchers have investigated the phenomenon of overparenting of emerging adult children and its association with emerging adult development. With the increasing body of research in recent years on this topic, a timely systematic review is needed to gain a better understanding of the literature. This systematic review targets quantitative studies of overparenting and several domains of development

The current study examines the impact of perceived academic support from closest same-sex friends and romantic partners on two indicators of academic success: GPA (reported by the registrar’s office) and student engagement. Utilizing a longitudinal, daily-diary design, we investigate whether perceived academic support from closest same-sex friends and perceived academic support from romantic partners

Background: Growing research indicates complex relationships among dimensions of depression and anxiety. Vulnerability to depression and anxiety in emerging adults, due to individual difference factors, may be intensified by disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Undergraduates (n=653, mean age=19.8, range 18–23) completed questionnaires that assessed distinct dimensions of depression

College students who live off campus vs. on campus substantially differ, which may be due to socialization or self-selection. We examined longitudinal differences in academics and activities, alcohol use and adjustment, and sexual behaviors between college students who remained on campus vs moved off campus (N = 607). Findings provide more support consistent with selection than with socialization effects

Addressing the retention and support of Latinx college students is imperative given their low graduation rates despite increasing enrollment. We sought to extend our understanding of the effects of familismo (i.e., the sense of providing support, acting in reference, and feeling an obligation to the family) on academic outcomes among Latinx college students by examining the roles of immigrant generation

Using a longitudinal design, we examined changes in parent and peer attachment among college students, and their predictive and protective roles in relation to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. College students (N = 106) rated their parent and peer attachment, and self-reported anxiety, loneliness, and depressive symptoms 1 year before and during the pandemic. Participants also rated

Grit and belonging are consistently important factors in emerging adult academic outcomes (Morrow & Ackermann, 2012). This study examines the role of grit (i.e., goal perseverance, consistency of interest, and adaptability), belonging (i.e., sense of fitting in and feeling valued), and perceived institutional compassion (i.e., care/support and resources for students in pandemic-related responses) in

This study explored how middle-aged Korean American mothers perceive their children’s transition to adulthood and make sense of their changing parenting experience. Guided by a phenomenological approach, the analysis of semi-structured interviews with first-generation Korean immigrant mothers (N = 10) of young adult children revealed their culturally unique perceptions of children’s independence and

The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging impacts on college-going emerging adults and their communities, which may prompt them to engage civically. Using spring 2020 survey data from a national sample of college students aged 18–22 ( N = 707), we document the prevalence of pandemic-related civic engagement as well as differences in engagement by sociopolitical perspectives. The majority of participants

This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the memorable sexual messages emerging adult women received from mothers, fathers, friends/peers, and online media in their lifetime, and the patterns in which these messages were received. Our sample included 192 college-attending women (81.8% heterosexual, 57.3% White) ages 18–25 ( M = 19.4, SD = 1.4) from a southeastern U.S. university. Through

This study tested whether age moderates the longitudinal relationships between upward and downward comparisons on Instagram and three identity processes (i.e., commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment). Two hundred and eleven British emerging adults completed two self-report surveys, two months apart, in early 2020. A cross-lagged panel model with interaction terms found

This study employed the Individuation Test for Emerging Adults-Short (ITEA-S) to identify groups of emerging adults sharing similar individuation profiles (types) in relation to mother and father separately. Two-step clustering procedures of self-report data of Slovenian and Austrian participants suggested four internally replicable types of individuation across parents and countries: dependent, anxious

Well-being is important for everyone. However, some of our assumptions about well-being and personality have not been well-tested among historically excluded groups. Using a mixed-methods design, we considered young Black women’s hope, growth, and well-being. We hypothesized that endorsements of hope and expressions narrated of growth would be positively associated with well-being. We also tested for

Although singlehood is common during emerging and established adulthood, it is often positioned as less desirable than being partnered. Using data from 168 single emerging (18-29 years-old) and established (30-35 years-old) adults from the United States, we explored how they appraised being single (i.e., viewing singlehood as empowering, allowing for personal goals, and/or being disappointing) and

For the current study, a grounded theory methodology was utilized to generate a substantive theory that illustrates Turkish emerging adults’ different romantic experiences. The study participants were 25 emerging adults (12 female, 13 male), ages ranging from 19 to 26 years. The data analysis revealed four romantic patterns namely, balanced intimacy, learning intimacy, high-dependent intimacy, and

As college has increasingly become part of emerging adulthood for United States youth, Predominantly White and Historically White Institutions (PWI/HWIs) have faced pressures to diversify and address problematic racial/ethnic campus climates. Within the rich and evolving literature, there is room for better understanding how Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) emerging adults experience

Emerging adults lack many basic financial capabilities. To avoid conflict that may come from these deficiencies, some emerging adults may financially deceive their romantic partner. However, little is known about financial deception in emerging adult romantic relationships. Through the lenses of two theoretical frameworks, we test whether financial deception intervenes the associations of couple financial

The senior year in college is a pivotal time for emerging adults as they plan and make career decisions for their post-college lives. During this challenging transition, parents may be a safeguard; however, little research identifies how parents are involved in their emerging adult’s career development. The present study examined career-related parental involvement (CRPI; for mothers and fathers separately)

The negotiation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) identities while navigating between LGBTQ+ and cis-heterodominant cultural contexts may parallel some processes observed in acculturation experiences within communities of color. 14 LGBTQ+ emerging adults (20–25 years) located within the United States participated in semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups aimed

First-generation college students are less likely to complete their degrees than continuing-generation students, in part due to experiences of educational and socioeconomic adversity. Accounting for adversity and its downstream implications is likely to suggest new interventions that promote resilience and retention of these students. We propose a novel model in which the influence of adversity on

In this study, the processes of transition to adulthood of early school leavers were analysed with special emphasis on the heterogeneity of situations that arise in this group. A quantitative methodology has been used including data collection via questionnaires with a total sample of 580 participants (306 women and 274 men) in the age range 26–28. Firstly, we have analysed the influence of educational

This study aimed to explore perceptions and experiences of parental identity development, with a specific focus on how the developmental dynamics of emerging adulthood intersect with processes of commitment, exploration and reconsideration of the parental role. Twenty-four South-African emerging adult parents were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed that the intersection of the transitions towards

The idea of a general working model of attachment suggests a high consistency among the attachments to different attachment figures. However, many empirical results show that attachments to different attachment figures differ substantially. In this study, 512 emerging adults rated their attachment quality to one parent, the romantic partner, and several friends over three measurement occasions. We