National Study Finds 20-somethings Hopeful for Future
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Arnett, who led a national study on the attitudes and behaviors of the 18-29 year old set, said that the national study confirmed his regional findings and that while many individuals in that age group report anxiety, a large majority are hopeful about their future.
Arnett has been studying emerging adults for over twenty years. For this study, Arnett prepared over 50 questions about lifestyle, behavior and preferences, and more than 1000 emerging adults from all demographics across the country were contacted.
“There are a lot of negative stereotypes about this age group, but this study shows them to be false,” Arnett said. 85 percent of the participants said that this was a fun and exciting time in their lives. It’s a stressful time, but they have a sense that life is wide open.”
Self-focused, but not selfish
Arnett called the period of time between 18 and 29 “a self-focused” time. “They’re not necessarily selfish, in fact it’s wise to focus on self discovery,” he said.
Some of the study’s other findings were regarding how well these emerging adults fare with their parents as well as their financial condition.
Dr. Jeffrey Arnett
Parents still help out financially
Arnett said that he found that financial independence grows steadily from 18 to 29.
“Of the 18 to 21 age group, 80 percent said that they received at least some kind of financial support from their parents,” Arnett said. 61 percent of study participants aged 22 to 25 reported financial assistance from parents, and 36 percent of those aged 26 to 29 reported receiving assistance.
“It’s a little surprising that there are so many in the oldest group,” Arnett said. “But most of the 26 to 29 year olds are reporting only getting assistance when needed.”
Dante Comparetto, of Worcester, who currently works as a community organizer, said that he finds both statements to be true in his life.
“My parents played an integral role in ensuring that I did not go down a wrong path,” Comparetto said. “But now that I’m 29, I’m self supporting, although my parents will help me out from time to time.”
Nearly a fully emerged adult, Comparetto said he has found his passion through his work. “When I was investing in the community, I was also investing in myself. It’s both my fun and my work.”
Arnett said that the study found that emerging adults are striving toward independence, and that 75 percent of respondents would prefer to live independently, even if it meant living on a tight budget.
“Independence is difficult to attain, especially in a bad economy, Arnett said.
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