Emerging Adulthood: Theory, Assessment and Application

Authors

  • Alan Reifman Texas Tech University
  • Jeffrey Jensen Arnett Clark University
  • Malinda J. Colwell Texas Tech University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2007.359

Abstract

The later attainment of traditional adult roles by today’s youth compared to their counterparts of earlier decades has garnered considerable scholarly and public attention. This article describes a recent concept related to the transition to adulthood, known as emerging adulthood, including a discussion of relevant theory and historical background research. We then introduce a measurement instrument, the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA), which assesses identification with transition-to-adulthood themes. Results of initial scale-development studies were largely supportive of the measure’s reliability and validity. Respondents in their 20s identified with relevant themes to a greater extent than did their younger and older counterparts. Marital status differences on the IDEA emerged, but college and non-college respondents were largely similar. Finally, we provide suggestions for how parent educators can make use of the IDEA instrument in advising parents and their emerging adult children.

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Published

2007-06-01

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2007)

Section

Feature Articles

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