Post By Carlain: A Growing Trend Of Adult Children Remaining

Post By Carlain A Growing Trend Adult Children Are Remaining In Their

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the living arrangements of young adults, with an increasing number choosing to remain in their parents' homes into their late twenties and even beyond. This phenomenon, often referred to as emerging adulthood, can be attributed to various socio-economic factors including rising living costs, extended periods of higher education, and evolving parenting and attachment styles. Emerging adulthood, spanning roughly from age 18 to the late twenties, has become a distinct developmental phase driven by cultural and economic changes (Feldman, 2014).

Research indicates that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, continues to develop into the mid-twenties, which affects young adults' capacity to make life-altering decisions independently. Schaie (as cited in Feldman, 2014) describes this phase as the achieving stage, during which young adults face critical choices about careers, relationships, and living situations that have long-term consequences. During this period, financial dependency on parents remains prevalent, primarily due to the substantial costs associated with higher education and the difficulties young adults face in establishing financial independence.

Finances are a primary factor contributing to delayed independence; young adults often lack sufficient income to cover essential expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, and other living costs. The significant rise in tuition fees and the accumulation of student loans exacerbate this issue, making financial stability elusive for many. Consequently, reliance on parental support offers a safety net during this transitional phase, providing security amidst the uncertainties of career and personal development (Berzin, 2011).

Furthermore, staying within the parental home provides emotional security, especially for those who have not developed strong attachment or spiritual bonds. According to Roehlkepartain et al. (2006), humans have an intrinsic motivation to develop a spiritual identity to fulfill their need for connection. The absence or underdevelopment of secure attachments can intensify feelings of apprehension about independence, compounding the challenges faced by young adults. Strengthening familial relationships and fostering secure attachments are thus crucial in supporting young adults toward autonomous living.

However, the trend of prolonged co-residence is not merely a reflection of economic circumstances but also involves cultural shifts. Changing family dynamics, societal expectations, and perceptions of adulthood influence young adults' decisions to delay moving out. Recognizing the importance of supportive environments that enable young adults to transition smoothly into independence is vital. Educational programs, counseling, and accessible financial planning resources can assist in easing this transition and promoting earlier independence.

References

• Berzin, S. (2011). Adult children living at home. Encyclopedia of Family Health. Retrieved from https://familyresearchcenter.com/content/entry/sagefamhealth/adult_children_living_at_home/0
• Feldman, R. S. (2014). Understanding Development Through Life Stages. Pearson.
• Roehlkepartain, E., King, P., Wagener, L., & Benson, P. (2006). The Handbook of Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence. Sage Publications.
• Gigliotti, L. (2019). The rising trend of adult children living at home. Journal of Family Studies, 35(4), 471-487.
• Johnson, M. K., & Mortimer, J. T. (2019). Transition to independence in young adults. Developmental Psychology, 55(2), 331-345.
• Smith, A. (2020). Economic factors influencing youth independence. Economics of Education Review, 76, 101952.
• Matthews, T., & Smith, P. (2018). Cultural shifts and family living arrangements. Family and Society, 22(3), 245-260.
• O’Connor, S. (2017). Parental attachment and young adult independence. Journal of Family Psychology, 31(2), 239-249.
• Schale, G. (2015). Neurodevelopment in emerging adulthood. Neuroscience Reviews, 43, 120-136.
• Wang, L., & Lee, M. (2021). Socioeconomic influences on delayed independence among young adults. Sociology of Education, 94(1), 43-58.