Harmful forms of alcohol consumption remain to be prevalent among the young adult population in the United States. Similarly, cannabis use in this demographic continues to rise from year-to-year, with this age group consuming more cannabis than all other age groups. Due to the dynamic nature of the developing young adult mind, as well as the volatility that alcohol and/or cannabis use may add to the equation, it is important to understand what influences the perceptions and attitudes regarding the concept of adulthood in this population. This study aims to identify factors that affect the feelings associated with adulthood in a sample of young adults with various education backgrounds and substance use histories.
The study’s sample was composed of 558 adults in the New England area recruited via an online survey system who me the following eligibility criteria: aged 18-25, English fluency, past month use of either alcohol and/or cannabis, and local proximity to the study’s origin site (N=558). Participants completed questionnaires which measured demographics, alcohol use, cannabis use, and personal perceptions and definitions of adulthood. Demographic variables included age, sex, race/ethnicity, education history, employment status, housing status, and financial support methods. Specific variables measured within the adulthood sections were taken from the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). The data was analyzed using multiple linear regression modelling.
Results of the study found significant positive associations between binge drinking frequency and cannabis use frequency, as well as binge drinking and unstable/negative perceptions of adulthood. Cannabis use alone was not significantly associated with any variation of perceptions and feelings of adulthood. Employment status (both part-time and full-time) and age (>21 years old) was associated with elevated perceptions of adulthood, while residing with one’s parents was associated with the opposite. Education status did not affect feelings and perceptions of adulthood.
Takeaway: the advent of adulthood is associated with a multitude of attitudes and expectations in young adult populations. This study suggests these sets of perceptions may be associated with different personal characteristics related to alcohol use, housing, employment, and other demographic variables.