Early Adult Identification Among Youth With Foster Care Experience: Implications for Emerging Adulthood

Citation

Singer, Erin Rebecca & Berzin, Stephanie Cosner (2014). Early Adult Identification Among Youth With Foster Care Experience: Implications for Emerging Adulthood. Journal of Public Child Welfare. vol. 9 (1) pp. 65-87

Abstract

Emerging adulthood, the time period when youth are between the ages of 18-26, is generally recognized as a distinct developmental stage. However, research is scarce that examines how previous life experiences impact emerging adulthood. Using cumulative advantage-disadvantage theory (Dannefer, 2003; Merton, 1986), the current study explores differences during the transtion to adulthood between youth with and without foster care experience. The authors tested a multiple-step multiple mediator model with logistic regression using a sample of youth ages 18?28 (N = 13,574) from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results suggest that youth with foster care experience are undergoing an accelerated path to their adult identities, and subsequently may not be accruing the advantages of an extended period of emerging adulthood. No longer attending school and perceived independence help explain this finding, suggesting two possible areas in which to intervene to help facilitate positive youth experiences in emerging adulthood.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2014.983290

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Public Child Welfare

Author(s)

Singer, Erin Rebecca
Berzin, Stephanie Cosner

Year Published

2014

Volume Number

9

Issue Number

1

Pages

65-87

ISSN/ISBN

1554-8732

DOI

10.1080/15548732.2014.983290

Reference ID

5320