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Young adulthood can be a tumultuous time, but this also makes it an important time for self-exploration, which can lead to growth and insight. That is why therapy for young adults can often be beneficial.
Background: young adulthood in Erikson’s model of life stages
The psychoanalyst Erik Erikson defined young adulthood as the period of life lasting roughly from age 19 to age 40. During this period, key issues have to do with intimacy and isolation. In addition, young adults today face tasks relating to the formation of their identities and the development of their senses of self. Young adulthood fits in with Erikson’s influential model of life stages:
- Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy 0-18 months): This stage centers around the infant’s basic needs being met by their caregivers. If the caregivers provide reliable care and affection, the infant develops trust. Conversely, inconsistent or neglectful care may foster feelings of mistrust that can affect future relationships.
- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood 2-3 years): At this stage, children strive for personal control and independence. Successful completion involves encouragement, leading to autonomy and confidence. Overly restrictive or critical environments can result in feelings of shame and doubt regarding their abilities.
- Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool 3-5 years): Here, children begin asserting control through play and social interaction. Encouragement and support lead to a sense of initiative, fostering leadership. Excessive criticism or control, however, can evoke guilt, hindering creative interactions and social development.
- Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age 6-11 years): This stage focuses on skill development and competence. Success in academic and social activities leads to a sense of industry, promoting self-confidence. Failing to acquire these skills can result in feelings of inferiority and reluctance to pursue goals.
- Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence 12-18 years): During adolescence, individuals explore their identity and sense of self. Successful navigation yields a strong identity and direction. Failure results in role confusion, leading to insecurity about the future and issues with integration into society.
- Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood 19-40 years): This stage is characterized by forming intimate relationships with others. Success leads to secure bonds and a supportive network. Failure to form these connections results in isolation and loneliness, impacting one’s sense of personal fulfillment.
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood 40-65 years): In middle adulthood, individuals focus on contributing to society and supporting future generations. Achieving this through work and family leads to generativity. A lack of contribution can result in stagnation, a sense of unproductiveness and disconnection.
- Integrity vs. Despair (Maturity 65-): Reflecting on life during this stage, individuals develop a sense of integrity if they perceive their life as well-lived. Acceptance of life events fosters wisdom. Conversely, regret and dissatisfaction can lead to despair, affecting one’s final years with dissatisfaction or depression.
What are common problems faced by young adults?
Relationships are often at the forefront of the minds of adults in their 20s and 30s. Marriage is often a question of concern for young adults; the average age at first marriage is roughly 31 years for men, and 29 years for women. Many young adults seek therapy because they are in the process of deciding what sort of partner will make them happy. Some are frustrated because they find themselves unable to meet the “right” person, because they feel that they continue to act out the same unwanted relationship patterns, or because they are trying to contend with feelings of loneliness and isolation.
It is estimated that roughly 42% of adults aged 20-29 live in the parental home. A so-called “boomerang kid” is an adult child who has left home at some point in the past to live on their own and has returned home. For some adults in their 20s and 30s, this is a suitable arrangement. Others, however, struggle with the position they are in. They would like to leave home but feel unable to do so. There may be various reasons for this – including feelings of anxiety surrounding the prospect of functioning on their own.
Depression affects roughly 5% of 18-39 year olds. It is known to be especially prevalent among undergraduate and graduate students: one study has found that 30 percent of college students reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function at some time in the past year.”
On average, Canadian mothers have their first child at around 30 years of age. It is estimated that 9-16 percent of postpartum women will experience postpartum depression. Among women who have already experienced postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy, the estimated prevalence increases to 41 percent. Clients experiencing postpartum depression are generally motivated to understand their feelings depressions in order to function more effectively and make the most of their time with their children.
Roughly 4 percent of adults 18-29 years old, and 7 percent of adults 30-44 years old will experience generalized anxiety, which is defined as excessive worry about “everyday” problems over a period of several months.
Therapy as an option for young adults
There are many different ways in which clients may use therapy to reach their goals. These are some of the common themes that can enter into therapy for young adults.
Addressing Emotions
Emotional regulation involves building skills to manage and respond to an array of emotions healthily and effectively. For some, this might mean identifying triggers that lead to overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression, while for others it could be understanding how past experiences influence current emotional responses. Therapy sessions provide a safe space to explore these emotions, offering strategies and techniques to help clients achieve better control. By gaining these skills, young adults can enhance their mood stability, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase their ability to handle stress. Successful emotional regulation empowers individuals to make conscious choices rather than impulsive reactions, fostering a more balanced life path.
Satisfying Relationships
Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is another integral therapy goal for young adults. As individuals grow, their social interactions and romantic engagements become more complex, often requiring enhanced communication, empathy, and boundary-setting skills. Therapy can offer insights into unhealthy relationship patterns inherited from past dynamics or family upbringing. Young adults become better equipped to foster relationships characterized by mutual respect, honesty, and emotional support. Building healthy relationships can significantly impact personal well-being and professional success, creating a foundation for enduring social support networks and fulfilling connections.
Self-Esteem and Self-Concept
Therapy often considers a client’s self-esteem and self-concept, which can involve confronting and reshaping negative beliefs or perceptions about oneself, frequently rooted in past criticism or failure experiences. Enhancing self-esteem empowers individuals to pursue life goals more confidently, whether in academic endeavors, career pursuits, or personal relationships. An improved self-concept allows young adults to view themselves through a lens of capability and worthiness, which can encourage a healthier attitude toward future challenges and opportunities. Increased self-esteem supports a sense of identity essential for resilience during periods of transition and growth.
Coping and Stress Management
Developing effective coping and stress management skills can be helpful for young adults facing the unprecedented pressures of academics, career decisions, and day-to-day responsibilities. These skills can mitigate anxiety, prevent burnout, and enhance overall mental health resilience. With strong coping strategies, young adults can improve their decision-making capabilities, energy levels, and ability to maintain balance in high-pressure situations. Effective stress management lays the groundwork for sustained well-being and productivity as they transition into and navigate adulthood.