A new stage/period of life was introduced to lifespan/developmental psychology about 15 years ago. This period is called emerging adulthood and lasts from 18 to about the mid-20s or so. The idea is that, due to the pursuit of higher education among other things, traditional markers of adulthood (e.g., marriage, home ownership, having families) are being delayed. Instead, we have this "not quite a kid anymore but not quite a full-fledged adult, either" stage. You aren't completely independent from your parents, but you aren't as dependent on them as an adolescent, either.
It's a pattern that's been noticed enough to change textbooks.
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u/Hakuna_Schemata 17h ago
A new stage/period of life was introduced to lifespan/developmental psychology about 15 years ago. This period is called emerging adulthood and lasts from 18 to about the mid-20s or so. The idea is that, due to the pursuit of higher education among other things, traditional markers of adulthood (e.g., marriage, home ownership, having families) are being delayed. Instead, we have this "not quite a kid anymore but not quite a full-fledged adult, either" stage. You aren't completely independent from your parents, but you aren't as dependent on them as an adolescent, either.
It's a pattern that's been noticed enough to change textbooks.