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Transitions to adulthood and psychological distress in young adults born 12 years apart: constraints on and resources for development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 June 2009

A. Sacker  and
N. Cable
A. Sacker*
Affiliation:
University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, UK
N. Cable
Affiliation:
University College London, London, UK
*
*Address for correspondence: Professor A. Sacker, Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Background

Later transitions to adult roles and responsibilities have been linked with better psychological well-being yet psychological distress has risen despite young people making the transition to adulthood at older ages over recent years.

Method

We examine the role of structural constraints and adolescent resources in the relationship between the timing of transitions and psychological distress in early adult life in the 1958 National Child Development Study and the 1970 British Cohort Study. Graphical chain models were used to examine the influences on timing of four key transitions and their relationship with psychological distress (Malaise Inventory). The role of structural factors at birth (gender, social class) and adolescent resources (psychosocial problems, exam grades) were modelled.

Results

An earlier transition to adult roles was associated with an increased risk for psychological distress but so was failing to make some key transitions. Structural constraints had negative effects on successful development. Persistent social class and gender inequalities in psychological distress were evident in both cohorts. Social class constraints were mediated by educational resources whereas gender constraints were mediated by psychosocial resources. The influence of structural constraints on the timing of transitions to adult roles was more complex with evidence of positive and negative mediation and moderation effects.

Conclusions

Delaying transition to adulthood promotes psychological health but failure of transition to independent living is associated with psychological distress. Life-course transitions are constrained by social origin and gender and possibly economic environment. Adolescent resources help young adults to make timely transitions to adult roles.

Keywords

Cohort studieslongitudinal studiespsychological adjustmentsocio-economic factorsyoung adult
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 40 , Issue 2 , February 2010 , pp. 301 - 313
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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