Emerging Adulthood

Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase that spans between adolescence and adulthood. It is a recent concept developed by Jeffrey Arnett who believed that there needed to be a distinction of this developmental phase from young adulthood. People in their 30s typically are more settled and focused on career and family than people in their 20s. Emerging adulthood typically occurs during the age range of 18 to the mid-20s.

It is a time characterized by becoming independent and exploring life possibilities. People who don't have children, who live with parents, or who don't have enough income to be self-reliant fall into this developmental phase.