What is the age range typically referred to as emerging adulthood?

Emerging adulthood is typically defined as the period from late teens to early twenties, approximately ages 18 to 25. This stage is characterized by various transitions, such as pursuing higher education, exploring career options, and establishing more independent living arrangements.

During this time, individuals often experience significant changes and personal growth as they navigate the shift from adolescence to adulthood. They might partake in identity exploration, trying out different roles in relationships, careers, and personal beliefs. This age range is crucial for the development of a sense of self and for making decisions that can influence one’s later life trajectory. Understanding this period helps distinguish emerging adulthood from the more stable and settled features of adulthood that typically begin to manifest in the mid-twenties and beyond.