Digital Commons Network^™

Defining Young Adulthood, Elena Higley

DNP Qualifying Manuscripts

Young adulthood is a unique developmental period that occurs between the ages of 18 and 25 years, during which there are key developmental tasks that allow the young adult to participate in self-exploration and identity formation. Currently, among various organizations there are differing definitions and age range inclusions for young adulthood, which cause confusion during program development, healthcare service delivery, and research. Young adulthood should be categorized separately from adolescence and adulthood, because young adults have lower rates of healthcare utilization and worse health outcomes related to preventable causes of morbidity and mortality than the surrounding age groups. Young adults …