Emerging adulthood is a crucial time in developing identity roles and responsibilities, and is also a time of experimentation with substance use. Many factors impact the levels of substance abuse in this population. A recent study investigated the differences in perceptions of adulthood among young adults in college compared to young adults who are not in college and how this perception impacts substance use.
In this study, 558 young adults aged 18-25 completed surveys indicating their demographic information, employment status, college enrollment, and financial situation. They were also surveyed on their substance use within the past 3 months. On a scale of 0-100%, they were asked to rank how “adult” they felt most of the time and completed the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood.
The results showed that among the young adults who used substances, higher perceptions of adulthood were associated with less binge drinking, older age, male gender, employment/financial independence, and living apart from parents. Interestingly, frequency of cannabis use and educational status were not associated with any of the parameters indicating feelings of adulthood. Those who rated higher feeling of adulthood also were more stable and able to focus on themselves and others.
Take Away: Young adults are likely to perceive themselves as being more of an adult if they binge drink less frequently and are independent in their finances and living situation. Cannabis use and education status do not have correlation to young adults perception of their own adulthood.
Blevins, C.E., Caviness, C.M., Anderson, B.J., Herman, D.S., Stein, M.D. (2019). What Impacts Feelings of Adulthood Among College-Attending and Non-College Attending Emerging Adults Who Use Alcohol and Cannabis? Emerging Adulthood. doi.org/10.117712167696819844959.