Cumulative Transitions in Emerging Adulthood: Portents of Adjustment Problems or a Window for Opportunities?

Abstract

Cumulative transitions in diverse life domains during emerging adulthood appear to promote both problems and fulfillment. This study aimed to shed light on the coexistence of these contradictory observations by examining the associations between cumulative transitions in four life domains (education, work, romantic, and residential) and adjustment problems (depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use) and well-being. Participants ( n = 255; 62 % women) were assessed annually between ages 18 to 25. Results of regression analyses partially confirmed both perspectives: cumulative transitions in the four life domains combined were curvilinearly associated with depressive symptoms (i.e., too few and too many transitions were associated with higher symptoms) and linearly and positively associated with well-being. Domain-specific effects were also observed. These results paint a more nuanced picture of how transitions are associated with adjustment in emerging adults, revealing how under- and over-exploration of the life domains predict individual adjustment.