Perceived degree of reaching adulthood: a novel predictor of subjective well-being in emerging adulthood

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of emerging adults’ perceived degree of reaching adulthood in predicting their subjective well-being. Canadian university students (n = 252; 82.1% women; M_age = 20.63 years, SD = 1.98 years) were surveyed to determine the contribution of perceived degree of reaching adulthood in predicting indices of subjective well-being (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) when controlling for identification with different dimensions of emerging adulthood (EA). Findings revealed that perceived degree of reaching adulthood significantly predicted positive affect and life satisfaction, even when controlling for certain EA dimensions (i.e., experimentation/possibilities, negativity/instability, and self-focus). Results enrich EA theory by underscoring the added value of assessing emerging adults’ perceptions of their own progress in the transition to adulthood, in addition to their more general perceptions of this developmental period, when exploring predictors of emerging adults’ mental health and well-being. The present study suggests that managing judgment and expectations around reaching adulthood may be worthwhile objectives in relation to emerging adults’ perceptions of their well-being.