For emerging adults, pandemic serves up unique challenges

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has been hard on both kids and adults. But what about those who are in between?

Demographic shifts during the last century have given rise to a distinct developmental stage called “emerging adulthood.” Spanning the late teens and early 20s, it’s a volitional, transitional period marked by exploration of life and love, work and world views. But with the now nearly yearlong pandemic causing major disruptions in education, employment, housing and more, young people who are no longer adolescents but not quite adults are struggling to find their footing.

An 18-year-old in Florida selected a college sight unseen. A 23-year-old in Texas lost his job in his dream industry. And for a 24-year-old in New Hampshire, the pandemic halted her hard-won academic and social momentum.

“This generation is losing out on this key transition period,” says Kathryn Sabella, director of research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School’s Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research. She has been studying the pandemic’s effect on young people with mental health conditions and has found patterns of isolation, angst and uncertainty.

“We’re seeing a lot of stress about school, about finding a job in the short term, and longer term, what does this look like?” she says. “There’s a sense of despair and hopelessness.”

Emerging adulthood is a key time to explore career options, but the pandemic is putting that on hold. While some of Sabella's study participants have picked up more hours in service sector or “gig economy” jobs, others are struggling to work from home or have lost their jobs.

“Even if it’s just babysitting or retail or working in a restaurant, you’re learning something about yourself and what you want in a long-term career,” she says. “So...