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Emerging Adults

 

 

Clinicians and researchers have historically understood the developmental period spanning from age 18 to 26 as being that of late adolescence. However, recent research has hypothesized that the developmental stage of adolescence ends at approximately 18. The following developmental stage has been re-defined as young adulthood or emerging adulthood. Our program is based on this research and conceives of emerging adulthood as being its own developmental stage with unique needs and challenges. This enables us to specifically target the developmental issues that arise for emerging adults.  

 

One psychologist who has begun to take a closer look at the developmental issues associated with emerging adulthood is Dr. Jeffrey Arnett of Clark University. Dr. Arnett has identified five features associated with the emerging adult population:

 

  • Identity exploration

  • Instability

  • Self-focus

  • Feeling in between

  • Possibilities/optimism

 

These five core struggles begin in adolescence and become particularly acute in emerging adulthood. This is in part due to a heightened degree of internal conflict stemming from the increased push for independence and internal drive towards maturity and self-sufficiency.  Emerging adults are thrust into the peak process of identity development, self-determination, and the formation of life decisions around relationships, career, and educational advancement. For these reason many emerging adults are susceptible to increased feelings of instability.

 

Needless to say, not all emerging adults have the same experience. Although this period of development is complicated, some appear better able to navigate it with mild distress while others experience significant symptoms and problems in living. Those who are struggling during this time can exhibit issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, isolation, and motivational problems. The Cornerstones of Maine program manages those symptomatic expressions, but also works to address the underlying issues related to the developmental challenges of our residents.  

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