A Study on Parental Attachment and Emerging Adulthood among College Students

Abstract

The parent-child relationship in Indian culture is deeply rooted in traditions, values, and familial bonds, with family often being considered the cornerstone of society. Emerging adulthood, a developmental stage proposed by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett, typically spans from the late teens through the twenties. It is characterized by exploration, identity formation, instability, and self-focus as individuals transition from adolescence to full adulthood. This study aims to investigate the relationship between parental attachment and emerging adulthood among Indian college students aged 18 to 25 years. Standardized scales were administered to 50 college students to assess their attachment style with parents, including safe, dependent, parentified, fearful, and distant. Additionally, five dimensions of emerging adulthood were evaluated, namely: (a) age of feeling in-between, (b) period of identity exploration, (c) time of self-focus, (d) age of possibilities, and (e) age of instability. Preliminary findings indicates a significant correlation between parental attachment and emerging adulthood. These results underscore the importance of social and emotional support, particularly for individuals who have not felt safe in their parental relationships. Recommendations include lifestyle adjustments and the development of a strong social support system to navigate this transitional period, effectively.