Emerging adulthood is a unique developmental stage nested within the broader early adulthood phase (18 to 40 years old). Distinct characteristics and challenges mark this transitional period. While early adulthood focuses on consolidating identity, establishing intimate relationships, and achieving independence, emerging adulthood involves exploration, self-reflection, and a sense of instability as the beginning of developmental task achievement. During this phase, individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigating various life domains through several primary developmental tasks.

 
The developmental tasks of early adulthood include identity formation, getting an education and engaging in work or career, developing relationships and acquiring intimacy skills, redefining relationships with parents and establishing independence, building support systems and friendship networks, establishing financial independence and personal autonomy, honing emotional self-regulation skills, developing moral and ethical identity, establishing healthy lifestyle habits, recognizing and addressing mental health needs, and learning to set goals and plan for the future. These developmental tasks collectively contribute to establishing a foundation for a successful and fulfilling transition to full adulthood during the early adult years.

​

The early effort at accomplishing these tasks is through self-exploration, discovering who they are, what they value, and what kind of life they want. Emerging adults are trying out different aspects of identity that will eventually crystallize into their identity and sense of self.

​

These fledgling adults are making decisions in every domain and beginning to take responsibility for those decisions. They are learning to be self-aware and self-reflective, not just for identity acquisition but skill development and to identify and seize opportunities. They are becoming aware of the new skills needed to reach their goals. 

 
Relationships are typically very important to emerging adults. They are building relationship skills by using support systems and social networks. They seek opportunities to meet potential romantic partners and navigate relationships successfully by learning to manage their emotions more effectively and resolve conflicts to maintain meaningful relationships.  

​

They yearn for autonomy, making decisions for themselves and tentatively accepting the consequences of their choices, even as they reach down to ensure the safety net is still in place. They are trying to develop financial independence and learn to manage their resources. They are trying to build skills in setting goals and planning to manage their resources. Young emerging adults, especially, lack the life experiences to fully appreciate the reality of the limits of self-generated financial resources. At this time, they lack the financial literacy that comes with life experiences and learning through trial and error.  

 

Emerging adults tend to fluctuate between adolescence and early adulthood behavior to get their needs met. Even if they have launched, parents are commonly waiting in the wings to offer solutions, money, and other resources if they stumble or struggle. It is a time of trying out not-yet-fully developed living skills. Yet, they typically take brave new steps toward setting goals and learning the self-discipline and habit-building necessary to achieve them. Emerging adults begin with the initial steps of goal setting, which evolves into a more refined skill during early adulthood. During the formative years of exploration, individuals hone strategic planning, adjust goals based on changing circumstances, and adapt to unforeseen challenges in the early adulthood phase.

 

All of these tasks present challenges for emerging adults. Sometimes emerging adults are exposed to additional challenges of a problematic economy and limited job opportunities. They may also lack age-appropriate skills, and struggle with decision-making, emotional skill development, relationship building, financial management, and well-being cultivation. Facing the challenges of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and managing their emotions effectively, they can overcome obstacles by harnessing their resources to use strategies such as new skill development, networking, flexibility, entrepreneurship, resilience, persistence, and seeking support. This period requires a precarious balance between exploration and self-discovery with the need for stability and direction.

​

One way to achieve this balance is to learn and practice setting achievable goals and creating a plan. This essential skill provides a sense of direction while allowing room for exploration and growth. It's also appropriate for emerging adults to cultivate relationships with mentors and advisors for guidance and support as they navigate this phase of their lives. Additionally, engaging in activities that promote self-reflection, such as journaling or meditation, can help individuals better understand themselves and their goals while providing stability and grounding. Ultimately, balancing exploration and stability is a developmental challenge that requires patience, self-awareness, and a willingness to embrace change.

​

In summary, the developmental journey from emerging adulthood to early adulthood encompasses a range of tasks and experiences. These include self-reflection, decision-making, skill development, identity exploration, relationship building, financial independence, health promotion, goal setting, and adaptability. Early adulthood is the culmination of the seeds sown during emerging adulthood. The journey from exploration to maturation involves self-discovery, decision-making, skill development, relationship building, financial management, and well-being cultivation. Each developmental task serves as a building block, and the skills acquired during the initial foray into adulthood pave the way for a more nuanced and fulfilling life in the years to come. Through navigating these tasks, individuals lay the groundwork for a successful transition to adulthood, fostering growth, resilience, independence, and fulfillment in various life domains.

​

Articles on Emerging and Young Adults

​

By Peggy L. Ferguson, Ph.D.

​

To access these articles, click on the article title to open a PDF. You may save or print them. When sharing, please remember to provide proper attribution to both the author and this website. Editing or republishing is not allowed.

 

​

​

Moving On After Your First Heartbreak: A Guide to Emotional Resilience

​

Bridging the Generational Gap: Addressing the Challenges of Emerging Adulthood Together

 

Supporting Young Adults: Strategies for Cultivating Purpose And Well-Being

 

​

Note: To download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free, click here

​