Editorial: From adolescence into young adulthood – the importance of a longitudinal perspective across development in child and adolescent mental health

Abstract

The transition from adolescence into adulthood is a pivotal phase in a person's life, marking a period of significant social, psychological, and biological changes that can profoundly impact an individual's well-being and developmental trajectory. During this period, adolescents and young adults face increasing environmental demands from academic or occupational responsibilities and social interactions, including the pursuit of romantic partners. These changes are inherently related to stress, which is essential for adolescents and young adults to develop their personality and form an identity. Throughout adolescence into young adulthood, the brain undergoes maturational changes as part of the normal development, and it is possible that deviations from the expected developmental trajectories may contribute to the onset of psychiatric disorders in this age group. This editorial highlights recent work published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry that examines important aspects of this developmental period.