Areas of Specialization - Young Adults
Arnett (2000, in American Psychologist) had proposed that the time of life roughly between ages 18-25 be considered a “distinct period” called Emerging Adulthood. This time is characterized by increased independence and autonomy from parents and family. Although young adults frequently still live at home, many move to their own apartments. This transition necessitates developing self-sufficient living skills as they learn for the first time to manage a household. The familiar parent-child relationship changes and an increased sense of responsibility and accountability for their education develops. Young adults have more freedom to choose and try out grown-up roles than adolescents. They decide whether to attend classes on their college campuses as they balance among priorities of studying, working, socializing and partying. Increased experimentation occurs and can lead to binge drinking, drug abuse, and risk taking behaviors. Most young adults eventually enter the working world as they undergo increased stress to define and create their careers. Relationships in young adults change as the degree of intimacy intensifies and decisions regarding values and beliefs are questioned and often redefined. Emerging adulthood is undeniably a developmental period that is significant and crucial to a successful transition into adulthood. Thus any of the difficulties and problems outlined in the Adult section may occur in young adulthood, yet optimal cognitive behavioral treatment requires a sensitivity to and understanding of this developmental period.
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