The transition to adulthood as a critical juncture in the course of psychopathology and mental health

Few students of psychopathology and mental health would argue that the period between adolescence and adulthood is simply a passive medium through which individuals pass untouched, a segment of the life span that has no unique impact on ongoing trajectories of functioning and adjustment. Yet the relative lack of attention given to this period in theoretical conceptualizations and empirical investigations suggests an assumption that the events and experiences constituting the transition to adulthood are relatively inconsequential to the course of psychopathology and mental health. In comparison, far more attention has been given to childhood effects on adult psychopathology. Early experiences may be critical,…

• UO
  University of Michigan
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health
• NI
  National Institute on Drug Abuse

  Awards: DA12903, DA01411