Longitudinal analysis about flourishing and its predictors during emerging adults from a gender perspective

Abstract

Flourishing is defined as a combination of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. The objective of this work was to analyze with a longitudinal design and from a gender perspective, which variables are related to flourishing in a sample of emerging adults. The sample was comprised of 400 emerging adults (67% women) who were interviewed at two different points in time: when they were 20.3 years old on average (DT=2.04), and three years later, at the average age of 23.7 (DT= 2,08). The variables studied were: perceived family income; resolution of core developmental tasks (having a job and living independently); The Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood; educational variables (academic commitment and perceived University performance) and social support (from friends, family, and partner). Results showed the differences in the variables which predict flourishing in males and females. Flourishing in males in Wave 2 is related to two W1 variables: the perception of emerging adulthood as an experimentation stage and the priority which youngsters give to their studies. For females, flourishing in W2 is related to two W1 variables: the consideration of this stage as a self-focused stage, and family support. These results vouch for the importance of analyzing gender differences throughout emerging adulthood. Results also highlight the role that educational context and social support provide to well-being during emerging adulthood. More research is needed from a gender perspective to explains the variables related to well-being throughout emerging adulthood, to generate evidence-based intervention programs that facilitate the transition into adult life.