Relation Between Emerging Adulthood and Psychological Wellbeing Amongst Indian College Students

Abstract

The theory of Emerging Adult stipulated that those who fell in the age range of 18 to 25 years displayed significantly different characteristics from those seen in adolescence as well as during adulthood. Research has shown that the mental health related challenges faced by individuals in this age group is significantly different and unique from the challenges faced by adults in the middle and older adulthood phase. To gain a deeper understanding of the mental health of Indian college students in context to emerging adulthood dimension a sample of N=155 (48 males and 107 females) was taken for the study. A questionnaire containing The Inventory of Emerging Adulthood Dimensions (IDEA) and Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale (PWBS) was used.  From the results of the study, it was seen that the dimension of personal growth shows a significant positive correlation with the dimensions of identity exploration, experimentation, self-focus and feeling in-between. For environmental mastery there exists a negative correlation with the dimensions of instability and feeling in-between.  Positive relationship with others is positively correlated with identity exploration, experimentation, self-focus and feeling in-between. There was a positive correlation between purpose of life and identity exploration, experimentation, other-focus, self-focus and feeling in-between. Self-acceptance has a positive correlation with experimentation and self-focus.