Jeffrey Arnett lists the characteristics of emerging adulthood as: identity exploration (ideology, work, and love), instability, self-focus, feeling in-between adult and adolescent, and endless possibilities 
(Arnett). In part two, I will briefly explain the final two characteristics.
Trapped Between Two Worlds
Emerging adults are always questioning whether they will be treated as an adult, or as a child. Christian Smith says,
American youth live for between five and twenty years in a kind of socially constructed developmental limbo, ever waiting, delaying, anticipating, preparing for the day when they will take on and enjoy the freedoms and responsibilities of being real grown-ups. (Smith and Denton, 184)
Emerging adults are usually unsure about what is expected of them by those around them. “In a maze of contradictory cultural signals, it is difficult to have a clear sense of what to expect of either oneself or of others as adults” (Parks). This concept is known as multiple social selves, and was developed by William James, an American psychologist and philosopher. Catherine Raeff, Professor of Psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania speaks of James theory when she states, “Properly speaking a man has as many social selves as there are individuals who recognize him and carry an image of him in their mind” (Raeff). The expectations placed upon the individual vary greatly depending on the context. This state of confusing expectations can lead the individual to feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt. After graduating from high school, emerging adults typically do not know what is expected of them because it varies greatly between social settings.
Endless Possibilities
Emerging adults stand at the beginning of a world with endless possibilities. Facing this expanse of opportunities can either lead the individual to hope or despair. Smith states,
During this time frame, emerging adults experience a freedom that is historically unparalleled, a life structure that is often at most only loosely governed by older adult authorities. This enables emerging adults for many years to explore, experiment, discover, succeed or fail, move on, and try again. (Smith)
Unlike making decisions while under parental oversight, emerging adults “experience relatively unencumbered opportunities for real freedom” (Simmons). Their connections to their family and friend communities are not threatened by their decisions since they often hide them. The endless choices of emerging adulthood may include whether to go to church this weekend, what church to attend, and what faith they choose to believe in- if any.
Arnett’s observations are made upon emerging adults as a group, and not upon the individual. It is important emerging adults (like all people at all ages) not be stereotyped. Stereotypes and assumptions only tend to build walls within a community. In future entries, I will write about how these characteristics affect the church and the family.
Resources
Arnett, Jeffrey. Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties.
Parks, Sharon Daloz. Big questions, worthy dreams: Mentoring young adults in their search for meaning, purpose, and faith.
Raeff, Catherine. Always separate, always connected. Independence and interdependence in cultural contexts of development.
Simmons, Brian. Wandering in the wilderness. Changes and challenges to emerging adults’ Christian faith.
Smith, Christian and Melinda Lundquist Denton. Soul searching: The religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers.
Smith, Christian and Patricia Snell. Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults.
