Author: Ms. Susmita Biswas
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03090003
Abstract: Early adulthood, typically defined as the period between ages 18 and 25, is often portrayed as a time of discovery and independence, yet it is equally characterized by mounting pressures and instability. This chapter explores how young adults negotiate a landscape marked by academic challenges, precarious employment, identity exploration, and shifting social networks. Drawing on both empirical evidence and theoretical models, we examine how stress, resilience, and coping strategies interact in this life stage. Research consistently shows that stress among young adults is rising, while many traditional support systems fail to meet their actual needs. Resilience, rather than being a matter of toughness, reflects adaptability, supportive social connections, and the ability to reframe adversity. We also consider how contextual factors such as gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background shape stress experiences and coping outcomes. The chapter reviews interventions with empirical support, including cognitivebehavioral methods, mindfulness programs, and peer-led initiatives, and weighs the relative effectiveness of adaptive (e.g., problem-solving, social support seeking) versus maladaptive (e.g., avoidance, substance use, emotional suppression) coping styles. Finally, we call for educators, clinicians, and policymakers to reconsider current support structures and implement developmentally informed approaches that reflect the complexities of emerging adulthood.
Keywords: Stress, Resilience, Coping Mechanisms, Emerging Adulthood, Mental Health, Evidence-Based Intervention.
Page No: 28-33