Failure to Launch, Failure to Achieve Criteria for Adulthood?

Abstract

In the West it is not until the mid-20s or 30s people reach an adult status. Becoming an adult signifies being independent from others (especially from parents) and learning to stand alone as a self-sufficient person. This study investigates whether the attainment of such individual qualities are affected by emerging adults' living circumstances. Results indicate that though independent living is associated with an accelerated achievement of certain criteria for adulthood, continued coresidence with parents during emerging adulthood slows down the process by which an individual moves toward becoming a self-sufficient and independent adult. Because success in the achievement of an adult status also positively predicts emerging adults' wellbeing, delayed home-leaving during this stage of life is an issue that requires special attention.

The problem group? Psychological wellbeing of unmarried people living alone in the Republic of Korea

“…As discussed earlier, this lower level of life satisfaction among unmarried solo residents in comparison to married family coresidents was in line with previous research on the positive relationship between marriage and wellbeing (Liu and Umberson 2008;Sassler and Schoen 1999). Young adults living alone, however, were likely to enjoy more life satisfaction than were their unmarried counterparts living with family members, as is the case in Western societies (Galambos and Krahn 2008;Kins and Beyers 2010). …”

“…A body of research conducted in Western societies has shown that living alone is positively related to wellbeing among young adults. For young adults, especially for those in their late teens and early 20s, gaining a sense of self and the social identity of being an independent adult is a major developmental task that needs to be accomplished (Jordyn and Byrd 2003;Kins and Beyers 2010). In Western societies, leaving the parental home often initiates a transitional process towards adulthood, followed by other role transitions, such as completing education, starting a career, and getting married and having children (Aassve, Arpino, and Billari 2013;Spéder, Murinkó, and Settersten Jr. 2014).…”

“…In Western societies, leaving the parental home often initiates a transitional process towards adulthood, followed by other role transitions, such as completing education, starting a career, and getting married and having children (Aassve, Arpino, and Billari 2013;Spéder, Murinkó, and Settersten Jr. 2014). The accomplishment of the main markers for adulthood, such as residential independence, securing a job, and starting a romantic relationship, are related to better psychological wellbeing in young adulthood (Galambos and Krahn 2008;Kins and Beyers 2010;Schulenberg, Bryant, and O'Malley 2004). By making everyday decisions away from the control of their parents, young adults living alone may gain a sense of independence that, in turn, is related to better psychological wellbeing (Galambos and Krahn 2008).…”

“…Moreover, studies on Western societies in which residential independence among young adults is common have shown that living alone can increase feelings of selfsufficiency and independence, both of which are critical for achieving an independent adult status (Galambos and Krahn 2008;Jordyn and Byrd 2003;Kins and Beyers 2010). This is increasingly relevant in Korea, as it is taking longer for them to achieve markers of full adulthood as a result of the demands of higher education, rising unemployment rates, and delayed marriage and parenthood (Nahm and Namgoong 2012;Xenos et al 2006).…”

A socio-ecological model of agency: The role of psycho-social and socioeconomic resources in shaping education and employment transitions in England

“…too early or too late, are thought to be the target of negative social sanctions and to experience psychological strain (Heckhausen, 1999;Salmela-Aro, 2009). For example, early transitions (such as early school leaving) and problems in establishing oneself in the labour market, have been associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and health (Kins & Beyers, 2010;Schulenberg, Bryant, & O'Malley, 2004).…”