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This scholarly article was published in the peer-reviewed journal Social Development by Wiley-Blackwell. It explores the crucial process of identity formation that shapes development during the teen years and throughout the 20s. The study uses a five-dimensional identity model to examine how identity is connected to overall well-being. The evaluation focused on three key areas: commitment-related tasks, the ability to understand those commitments, and the struggles surrounding them. The study found that identity development extends beyond the teenage years, continuing into the 20s. However, reconsideration of commitments tends to occur during transitional periods, such as early adulthood, and this rumination is linked to higher levels of depression. In conclusion, the authors argue that identity formation during the teen years and 20s plays a critical role in long-term mental health.

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Sign in to EBSCO Research Services to gain access to your library or organization’s subscription of EBSCOhost Databases, Discovery Service and Explora.

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A 2012 review of the book appeared in the Journal of Moral Education (Vol. 41, Issue 1, pages 145–147), written by Hyemin Han. The article sets the context by explaining that young adults often exist in a gray area between adolescence and full adulthood, due to factors like financial dependence and lack of full social independence. Since this transitional period is difficult to define precisely, the authors adopt a sociological approach to better understand it. They argue that today’s emerging adults face unique generational challenges, particularly due to the influence of mass media. Issues such as moral confusion, materialism, consumerism, substance abuse, sexual disconnection, and political disengagement have become more widespread and normalized. One of the most significant causes of these problems-besides technology-is the lack of personal moral reflection. The article concludes with a call to reflect more deeply on our cultural shortcomings and urges society to provide stronger mentorship and greater social support to help young adults navigate this crucial stage of life.

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Lost in transition: the dark side of emerging adulthood

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Published in Journal of Moral Education (Vol. 41, No. 1, 2012)

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Chapter 7 of the Handbook of Life Course Health Development, authored by David Wood, Tara Crapnell, Lynette Lau, Ashley Bennett, Debra Lotstein, Maria Ferris, and Alice Kuo, and edited by Neal Halfon, Christopher B. Forrest, Richard M. Lerner, and Elaine M. Faustman, was published by Springer in 2018 in Cham, Switzerland. In this chapter, the authors emphasize that the stage of emerging adulthood-typically ages 18 to 29-is deeply influenced by an individual’s family background, current friendships, and available resources. As young adults enter this phase, the interactions between their internal development and external environments become crucial to their outcomes. The authors highlight that this period often demands major life decisions-such as those involving school, military service, or career paths-while the brain is still undergoing significant neurological development. They argue that individuals with financial stability, strong social support, and good health are more likely to succeed during this transition, whereas those lacking in these areas face far greater challenges. The chapter concludes by calling for more targeted systems of support and resources to help struggling young adults navigate this complex and formative stage of life.

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Emerging Adulthood as a Critical Stage in the Life Course - Handbook of Life Course Health Development - NCBI Bookshelf

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Emerging adulthood, viewed through the lens of life course health development, has the potential to be a very positive developmental stage with postindustrial societies giving adolescents and emerging adults a greater opportunity for choice and exploration but also greater challenges with greater ed…

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In the TED Talk video, clinical psychologist Meg Jay delivers a compelling lecture based on her early experiences as a therapist. She recalls a moment when one of her clients referred to her twenties as a "throwaway" decade-a belief Meg initially didn’t challenge. However, her supervisor encouraged her to push back, explaining that while the client might not marry the bad boyfriend she was currently with, she might end up marrying the next one. This sparked an “aha” moment for Meg, changing how she approached not only that client but many others. In the talk, she shares three key takeaways:

1. Identity capital-Your twenties are the time to invest in meaningful skills and experiences.

2. Weak ties matter-Friends of friends often lead to new opportunities in work and life.

3. Intentional relationships-Be mindful of the relationships you form, as drifting into the wrong commitments can have lasting consequences.

She concludes by urging listeners to take their twenties seriously and not waste this critical developmental window.

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In this YouTube video, Marina shares firsthand advice for making the most of your twenties. She encourages young adults to work hard, embrace new experiences, and learn from mistakes-pointing out that time, energy, and flexibility are on your side during this decade. She emphasizes the importance of long-term habits, especially maintaining a healthy diet and staying fit, as these choices will affect your future well-being. Marina (who has already settled down with her family) also advises choosing to live in a vibrant, community-oriented area while you're young, since taking risks becomes harder later in life-especially with rising living costs and growing responsibilities.

She stresses the importance of ignoring unwanted opinions, including your own negative self-talk. Instead, focus that energy on productive activities like hobbies, skill-building, or saving for retirement-starting early is key. Lastly, she shares a personal story about delaying therapy and realizing, after just one session, how helpful it was. She encourages addressing mental health sooner rather than later. Overall, her message is to live your best life in your twenties by taking thoughtful risks, learning through experience, and prioritizing your well-being.

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I'm 35. If you're in your 20s, watch this