The Promise and Peril of Emerging Adulthood: Introduction to the Special Issue

Emerging adulthood, typically defined as the period between ages 18 and mid-to-late 20s, is gaining increased recognition, as a key developmental stage characterized by specific neurobiological changes and associated psychological and social characteristics. Of particular clinical importance, emerging adulthood is a period of elevated risk for psychiatric disorders and psythosocial dysfunction. At the same time, this developmental period may be an optimal time to intervene and facilitate the adoption of adaptive behaviors and coping strategies. This special section consists of 10 articles focusing on various topics of relevance to the study of and practice with emerging adults. These papers focus on the risks for a variety of psychological disorders in emerging adults and the adaptation of evidence-based interventions for use with this population. They also highlight common issues that clinicians face when working with emerging adults, and examine the impact of major psychosocial stressors, such as racial discrimination, on mental health in these youth. Together, these papers underscore both the tremendous challenges that some individuals face in transitioning to adulthood, as well as the possibility for great resilience and positive life trajectories.