Between adolescence and adulthood: Emerging adulthood in Serbia
Jeffrey Arnett has defined emerging adulthood (EA) as a developmental period set between adolescence and adulthood. Research conducted in different countries has mostly confirmed the presence of EA dimensions around the world, with certain discrepancies which are believed to reflect the cultural and...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philosophy, Institute of Psychology
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Psihološka Istraživanja |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://scindeks-clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0352-7379/2024/0352-73792402223J.pdf |
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| Summary: | Jeffrey Arnett has defined emerging adulthood (EA) as a developmental period set between adolescence and adulthood. Research conducted in different countries has mostly confirmed the presence of EA dimensions around the world, with certain discrepancies which are believed to reflect the cultural and socioeconomic differences between nations. Our research set out to examine the presence of emerging adulthood in Serbia by exploring the differences between age groups (adolescents, emerging adults, adults) in relation to the dimensions of EA and Markers of Adulthood, as well as the psychometric characteristics of the IDEA scale. The participants were 1049 young people (78.6% female) aged 18 to 30 (M = 23.72, SD = 3.212), mostly from major cities. Factor analysis, for the most part, confirmed the structure of the IDEA scale. The results suggest that the indicators of emerging adulthood are more pronounced among emerging adults compared to adults (significant differences on five out of six IDEA subscales). Compared to adults, emerging adults are more likely to describe the current phase of their lives as unpredictable, undefined, and driven by exploration and the search for answers and meaning. On the other hand, adults have shown a more other-oriented approach and a higher degree of self-sufficiency. Finally, emerging adults have shown themselves to be more self-focused than adolescents. Measures of adulthood point to significant differences between age groups on three out of four indicators. Adults are more likely to view themselves as independent, autonomous and relationally mature, compared to younger age groups. |
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| ISSN: | 0352-7379 2560-306X |