Abstract

The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a time when individuals face numerous developmental issues, many of which involve career or work. Arnett (2000) proposed that emerging adulthood is a separate and distinct developmental stage that is unique from adolescence and adulthood. He defined the period as occurring between the late teens through the 20s with a focus on the ages of 18 to 25. Arnett argued that this is a time when the individual has left the dependency of childhood and adolescence, but has yet to enter the enduring responsibilities that are typically a part of adulthood. According to Arnett, “emerging adulthood is a time of life when many different directions remain possible, when little about the future has been decided for certain, when the scope of independent exploration of life’s possibilities is greater for most people than it will be at any other period of the life course” (p. 469).