ABSTRACT
Emerging adulthood is a stage of development that is characterized by uncertainty and instability. It is a time when individuals typically begin postsecondary education or a career, explore romantic relationships and marriage options, and develop a stable identity. For most, these pursuits foster new possibilities, but the lived experiences of traumatic events can derail these processes. Identity formation may be in flux, education, and work may be interrupted, and marriage may be delayed. However, several psychosocial factors have the potential to foster growth for emerging adult trauma survivors including cognitive processing of the trauma, identity development, event centrality, coping skills, and perceived and actual social support. Research indicates that through these factors growth can be realized, particularly in the PTG domains of personal strength and appreciation for life.
