What is "emerging adulthood" in relation to adolescents?

Emerging adulthood is recognized as a transitional stage that typically occurs from the late teens through the mid-20s, marking the period between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood. This stage is characterized by individuals exploring various possibilities in love, work, and worldviews as they gradually take on responsibilities and make choices that define their future paths.

During this time, many young adults are not yet fully settled into adult roles or have not committed to stable relationships and careers, which is indicative of the ongoing exploration and growth that defines this period. This exploration often includes factors such as further education or career decisions, which can lead to a broader understanding of personal identity and life goals.

This concept contrasts with the alternatives, as complete independence would imply that individuals have fully assumed adult responsibilities, which is typically not the case for many in this age range. Definitive life choices suggest a level of permanence that many in this stage are not ready for, as emerging adults often stay open to changing directions in their lives. Similarly, increased parental dependency does not align with the general trend of emerging adulthood, where individuals are often navigating toward independence, albeit with varying degrees of support from parents.