What is your young adult thinking? Until recently, the concept of emerging adulthood (ages 18-24) was not academically recognized as distinct from adulthood. But now, in part thanks to School of Family Life professors Larry Nelson, Jason Carroll, Brian Willoughby, and Laura Padilla-Walker, researchers are beginning to study it. In a recently-released 2017 Connections article, writer Jake Healey said: “Emerging adulthood is a unique time of life, complete with its own set of challenges and struggles, and it is important for parents, teachers, employers, and others to learn about these issues. So what does the research of Carroll, Nelson, Padilla-Walker, and Willoughby reveal as the four primary concerns of this age group? They are, in order of importance:

• identity,
  
• parental involvement,
• sexual behavior/relationships, and
• morality/religion

For explanations of each of those categories, check out the full article on the Connections magazine webpage. While there, you’ll also find information on:

• cutting-edge Alzheimer’s Disease research at BYU
• helpful money management tips
• an analysis of the U.S.’s relationship with Germany, from political science professor Wade Jacoby, an expert on the subject
• our most recent and successful Utah Colleges Exit Poll
• the changing face of invention (clue: it’s more of a team effort than you thought!)
• help for members of stepfamilies

Let us know what you think in the comments below!