Respond to two classmates post, 250 word each, must include one APA citation (within 7 yrs)

In a growing trend, adult children are remaining in their parents’ homes until later into adulthood than past decades. This new trend can be attributed to the rising costs of living, the attainment of higher education and differences in parenting and attachment styles. This stage of life is called emerging adulthood. “Emerging Adulthood encompasses the period between 18 and the late 20’s and may be a response to shifting cultural forces, including an increasing amount of education needed for a good career and fewer employment opportunities overall.” (Feldman, 2014, p. 451). Recent evidence has shown that the developing prefrontal cortex is continuing to change just as it did during adolescence. This limits the maturation of young adults to make decisions that may impact the rest of their lives. Schaie calls this particular stage of development the achieving stage. “During the achieving stage, young adults must confront and resolve several major issues, and the decisions they make – such as what job to take and whom to marry-have implications for the rest of their lives.” (Feldman, 2014, p. 432)

            The primary reason for children having a longer residency with their parents is likely to be the introduction of financial responsibilities. “As a young adult completes education, seeks employment, and establishes a career, the financial support of family is beneficial.” (Berzin, 2011). It makes sense that a young adult in college may have trouble meeting his or her new financial obligations. Most of them cannot attend school full time while also holding down a full time job. This makes it difficult to acquire and meet costs such as rent or a mortgage and all incurred costs. In addition, the cost of a higher education is on the rise and has increased significantly in recent years.  The result is enormous amounts owed in student loans.

            Achieving an education is not the only accomplishment being sought by most young adults. They are also considering life altering decisions such as career choice, marriage partner and where they plan to live as adults. These pressures prevent many from moving forward due to fear. Their dependency upon parents is increased by the added pressures of adulthood. The safety of staying under a parent’s roof adds security in the quickly changing world of a young adult. Absence of secure attachments may manifest during early adulthood. The small child who was once afraid to leave his mother’s side might not be experiencing the same emotions on a greater scale. If, in addition to that aspect, a person has not developed spiritually, his apprehension might be magnified. As proposed by Roehlkepartain, King, Wagener and Benson, “humans are intrinsically motivated to develop a spiritual identity in order to satisfy their need for connection.” (2006, p. 256). Those who have failed to do so are likely to seek connections with other people and parents usually play that role.

            Secure attachments, financial planning and encouragement are strongly needed in homes today in order to get young adults to begin their independent lives at earlier ages of emerging adulthood.

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