Twenty-Something Transitions

For many, navigating their way through the transitions of young adulthood can be challenging. Erik Erikson, in his lifespan theory of development, described eight psychosocial stages that individuals go through. In each stage, the individual faces a different “crisis” or developmental task. Erikson referred to the stage from approximately 12 to 20 years as “Identity vs. Role Confusion.” In this stage, adolescents move toward adulthood by making choices about values, vocational goals, etc. (i.e. Who am I? Who can I be?). The following stage is “Intimacy vs. Isolation.” The task that individuals face in this time of young adulthood is an increasing willingness to form and commit to relationships and affiliations. 

Emerging Adults

Erikson viewed identity exploration as being associated with adolescence. However, due to a variety of cultural changes over the years, including increased time spent in education, and people marrying and having children at later ages, psychologists today, including Jeffrey Arnett, have suggested that these stages extend beyond adolescence and into what they have termed “emerging adulthood.” This period, according to Arnett, lasts from approximately ages 18 to 29. Simply put, the tasks of Erikson’s 5th and 6th stages, “Identity vs. Role Confusion” and “Intimacy vs. Isolation” continue well into the twenties. It is during this time that Arnett says “most people think seriously about the commitments that will define the structure of their adult lives in love relationships, and work, and they gradually move towards making those commitments…” 

Challenges for Twenty-Somethings

Emerging adults are continuing to address the challenges of identity development, develop autonomy, and solidify ideas about their values and vocational goals. Whereas earlier generations tended to meet typical milestones of adulthood, such as graduation, marriage, family, career, etc., at younger ages, young adults now meet them at varying ages over a longer span of time. In addition, there is greater diversity among educational, occupational, and personal trajectories. 

These factors can all pose challenges for twenty-somethings today. At a time when they seek connection and meaningful relationships, previous sources of connection and support may not be as geographically or demographically available as they had been in earlier stages of life. Even though they may be approximately the same age, individuals in a close group of friends may be at various stages of their education, some may be married or in committed relationships, and some may have children, all of which could lead to an array of different priorities. Some may work in jobs that have atypical or extended hours, leading to limited available times to spend on forming and maintaining relationships. In addition, with increasing educational costs, some may find themselves living longer with parents until they gain greater financial stability.

With increased capacities for self-direction, values taught and previously accepted may begin to be more closely examined and questioned. This can contribute to feelings of disconnection and even isolation. Areas of faith, religion, sexual identity, and even career choice may be questioned. This can cause challenges in forming and understanding their identity. It could lead to questions such as, “Who am I in the world, if not this person I was or feel I should be within my community, or who I previously felt I had committed to being?”

Emerging adults are in a time of transition between having to respond to the demands of parental and school authorities, and the demands of long-term commitments in relationships and career. It may feel as if you are just kind of out there treading water, trying to figure it all out. This can be exciting, but also may be frightening, or overwhelming. 

What can you do?

So, what can be helpful to emerging adults when facing the challenges that some of these transitions can present? For one, know you are not alone. I have heard so many of these themes in working with young adults. It can be a tricky time. You are standing with one foot resting on the rim of the nest of adolescence, while beginning to spread your wings as you chart your course. 

When tempted to isolate, reach out; get involved. In high school and college, there are more structured and more easily available opportunities to get involved and get to know people. It can be a little more challenging at this time. Find activities, classes, or groups that might interest you. Volunteer. Explore areas in which you would like to learn more. Identify sources of or form a support system. 

It may be helpful to process and explore your thoughts. You can talk with others who may be experiencing some of the same things. You can reach out to friends, family members,… and, of course, we are always here at The Mind Spot. 

How The Mind Spot Can Help

The Mind Spot can offer strategies for dealing with Twenty-Something Transitions. Make an appointment with Rosalyn deTranaltes or one of our counselors today. Meet Our Counselors