Final answer:
Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase between 18 to mid-20s characterized by identity exploration. Factors such as higher education demands, economic shifts, and cultural changes have extended this period, leading to the concept of the Boomerang Generation. This reflects a complex transition to adulthood varying across cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Emerging Adulthood?
Emerging adulthood is a phase of development that extends from 18 years old to the mid-20s. This period is characterized by a focus on identity exploration concentrated on aspects such as work and love. Previously, adolescence was thought to lead directly into adulthood, but today, various factors have contributed to extending this transition period. Economic changes have made higher education more necessary than before, resulting in young adults spending more time to acquire bachelor's and graduate degrees.
Moreover, cultural shifts have led individuals to explore their options more thoroughly, which results in delaying milestones like marriage and career establishment. The term Boomerang Generation is used to describe young adults who return to their family home due to challenges in securing adequate employment after college graduation, further illustrating this transition phase.
During adolescence, an individual experiences significant physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes, and emerging adulthood serves as an extension of this period. The transition to adulthood, hence, has become more complex and varied across cultures and societies due to the aforementioned factors, among others.