Research Focus (III) Successful Transitions into Emerging Adulthood

Developmental psychologists are increasingly interested in studying and identifying emerging adulthood (18-25year age-period) as a unique developmental stage. The scientific evidence for emerging adulthood being a distinct time-period has been primarily based on theory and qualitative interviews. The lab is interested in investigating the scientific evidence that supports the concept of emerging adulthood and enhancing the measurement of salient aspects of emerging adulthood (see also area IV). From a scientific perspective, evidence for a distinct developmental stage is not only derived based on identifying distinct features of an age-period, quantitative and qualitative changes in for example core behavioral and relationship processes, but also how the relations among core behavioral and relationship constructs changes from one developmental period to the next. The lab is interested in further exploring this latter aspect by studying how the antecedents of antisocial behavior are distinct during adolescence versus young adulthood. In addition, we are also investigating what individuals perceive the sources to be of the successful transitions into young adulthood.

There are currently two research projects for undergraduate and graduate students to become involved in:

Successful Transitions into Emerging Adulthood Study This study is directly aimed to identify how interpersonal relationships serve as ‘turning points’ for successful transitions. In other words, rather than focusing on whether relationships change individual behavior, the lab studies the mechanisms by which this occurs.

National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Using data from a nationally representative study of adolescent youth, we are currently studying the predictors of successful transitions into young adulthood.

Collaborators

            W. Andrew Collins, PhD (Professor, University of Minnesota)

            Elizabeth Goncy, M.A. (Child Clinical Graduate Student, Kent State University)

            K. C. Haydon, PhD (Developmental Graduate Student, University of Minnesota)

Recent Publications

Collins, W. A., & van Dulmen, M. H. M. (2006). “The course of true love(s)….”: Origins and pathways in the development of romantic relationships. In A. Crouter &  A. Booth (Eds.), Romance and Sex in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: Risks and Opportunities. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Collins, W. A., van Dulmen, M. H. M., & Egeland, B. (2006). The significance of middle childhood peer competence for work and relationships in early adulthood. In A. Huston (Ed.), Developmental context of middle childhood: Bridges to adolescence and adulthood. Washington, DC: APA.

Collins, W. A. & van Dulmen, M. H. M. (2006). Friendships and romantic relationships in emerging adulthood. In J. J. Arnett & J. Tanner (Ed.), Emerging adulthood: Scientific perspectives. Washington, DC: APA.

Forthcoming Papers/Papers Currently under Review

Collins, W. A., Haydon, K. C., & van Dulmen, M. H. M. Peer competence and friendship quality: Distinct or overlapping precursors of adult romantic relationships.

Carlivati, J., Coffey, T., Collins, W. A. & van Dulmen, M. H. M. Distinctive roles of opposite sex friendships and attachment representations in adolescent and young adult romantic relationships.

Van Dulmen, M. H. M., & Goncy, E. Revalidation of the inventory of dimensions of emerging adulthood.

Recent and Forthcoming Presentations

Van Dulmen, M. H. M., & Goncy, E. (2006, May). Revalidation of the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood. Paper to be presented at the annual meetings of the Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago (IL).

Collins, W. A., Haydon, K. C., van Dulmen, M. H. M. (2005, April). Peer competence and friendship quality: Distinct or overlapping precursors of adult romantic relationships? In. C. L. Booth-LaForce & W. W. Hartup (Chairs), Friendship and social adaptation: Longitudinal studies and new approaches. Paper presented at the biennial meetings of the Society for Research in Child Development, Atlanta (GA).

Collins, W. A., & van Dulmen, M. H. M. (2004, October). “The course of true love(s)….”: Origins and pathways in the development of romantic relationships. Invited keynote at the National Conference on Family Issues, State College (PA).