Arnett’s theory of emerging adulthood proposes that the time period from ages eighteen to twenty-five is a time of identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and being in an age of possibilities. While emerging adulthood occurs in a variety of contexts and cultures, there may be differences in the way this transition is experienced.

Factors such as SES and the degree to which exploration is encouraged or discouraged can influence whether and how individuals explore educational and career options and commit to jobs and relationships By the time most of us reach emerging adulthood, we’ve completed puberty, and our bodies can be considered to be fully mature

emerging adulthood — beginning stages of adulthood characterized by the achievement of new legal statuses as well as intense exploration of career options, beliefs, and relationships. obesity — when an individual’s BMI is over 30; correlated with many health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. obesity paradox — observation that people with a high BMI who develop heart disease sometimes live longer and are in better health than people with a lower BMI who develop heart disease. post-formal thought — stage beyond formal operations that is more flexible, complex, and capable of recognizing more than one objectively correct answer to problem.