Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
12-2022
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Rachel Miller-Slough
Committee Members
Andrea Clements, Diana Morelen
Abstract
Emerging adulthood is a developmental period characterized by the themes of identity exploration, instability, feeling in-between, being self-focused, and exploring possibilities (Arnett, 2006). Emerging adults are at higher risk for anxiety as they navigate novel developmental experiences and responsibilities (Kranszler et al., 2019). This study explores whether these themes map on to the experiences of modern-day emerging adults, and whether developmental functioning corresponds to anxiety. College students completed standard questionnaires and provided free-text responses about adjusting to adulthood. Identity exploration and instability were perceived as the most positive and negative aspects of aging, respectively, though response-type varied by participant demographics. Several responses were not captured by these themes. Participants’ ability to engage in self-care and their living situation were negatively associated with current anxiety. These findings provide important directions for expanding theoretical models and measurement of emerging adulthood.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Parungao, Daryl, "Analyzing Emerging Adulthood Narratives and the Role of Anxiety in Developmental Functioning" (2022). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4087. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4087
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.