Emerging Adulthood: A Psychodynamic Approach to the New Developmental Phase of the 21st Century - Softcover

Gilmore MD, Karen J.; Meersand PhD, Pamela

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1615374191 ISBN 13: 9781615374199

Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2023

Synopsis

What makes an adult? Is it living independently, having a stable career path, getting married, or becoming a parent? In the digital age, particularly in Western societies, such traditional markers have been increasingly postponed and redefined. Thus, the concept of emerging adulthood, first described by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, Ph.D., is a period between adolescence and adulthood properly characterized by identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and a sense of wide-open possibilities. Many contemporary researchers have defined emerging adulthood as the period between ages 18 and 29 years, but this new volume argues that it is more useful to look at early emerging adulthood, or late adolescence (ages 18–23), and later emerging adulthood (ages 24–29) separately. Emerging Adulthood: A Psychodynamic Approach to the New Developmental Phase of the 21st Century examines the overarching similarities and developmental distinctions between these two periods and subsequently delves into • The identity process in contemporary society, and its inevitable intersection with the digital world, focusing on domains such as race/ethnicity, gender and sexuality, values, and professional roles • Treatment modalities for individuals in this phase of life, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, digital enhancements, and peer involvement Key points for each chapter will help readers reference the most salient takeaways as they gain a deepened understanding of the interface of culture and society, family, development, and individual psychology during these dynamic life phases.

About this title

About the Author

Karen J. Gilmore, M.D., is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Training and Supervising Analyst at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research in New York, New York.

Pamela Meersand, Ph.D., is Associate Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of the Child Division at Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research in New York, New York.

From the Back Cover

Is adulthood defined by independence, a stable career, marriage, or parenthood? In the digital age—particularly in Western societies—the traditional markers of adulthood have been increasingly postponed and redefined. Enter the concept of emerging adulthood, a period characterized by role exploration, instability, self-focus, and wide-open possibilities.

Although researchers have defined this stage as the period between ages 18 and 29 years, this new volume posits that it is most useful to examine late adolescence (ages 18–23) and emerging adulthood (ages 24–29) separately, given the differences in developmental capacities, tasks, achievements, and attitudes.

With case vignettes, videos, and key points for each chapter that aid in quick reference, Emerging Adulthood: A Psychodynamic Approach to the New Developmental Phase of the 21st Century examines the process of identity formation; the role of youth culture in aiding individuation from family of origin; the distinction between typical emotional reactions and behaviors and those that require mental health interventions; and a diverse range of treatment modalities.

Whether still in training or actively practicing, mental health clinicians will come away with a deeper understanding of the interface of culture, development, and individual psychology during these vibrant life phases.

Edition details

• Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
• Publication date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1615374191
• ISBN 13: 9781615374199
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 277