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Voices of Emerging and Young Adults: From the Professional to the Personal

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Emerging and Young Adulthood

Part of the book series: Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development ((ARAD))

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Abstract

From diverse perspectives, emerging and young adults reveal that while career identity tends to precede the life partner search, maintaining friendships and negotiating romantic relationships are the primary tasks in the establishment of a social self. The cohorts evidence a diversity of values, attitudes, and expectations with respect to dating, networking, and how to best spend their personal time. Volunteerism and a commitment to sociopolitical change also emerge as themes. The changing role of technology in initiating and maintaining relationships is noted by the participants, and a discussion of the “tribal” aspects of friendships is reinforced by the participants; some of the emotional and tangible weight-bearing functions, formerly the domain of exclusive relationships, may, for many, be assumed by extensive networks of close knit friends. This has possible repercussions for the postponement of marriage, but also may have a role in increased expectations leading to stronger commitments. Finally, a case history highlights mental health concerns—depression, anxiety, and addiction—that sometimes shadow emerging and young adults as they manage the anxiety of freedom and act to give the future their own shape while in relationship with others.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA

    Varda Konstam

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  1. Varda Konstam
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Correspondence to Varda Konstam .

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Konstam, V. (2015). Voices of Emerging and Young Adults: From the Professional to the Personal. In: Emerging and Young Adulthood. Advancing Responsible Adolescent Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11301-2_8

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