PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF THE TRANSITION FROM ADOLESCENCE TO ADULTHOOD AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN PREVENTING COLLEGE DROPOUT

Abstract

The purpose of this material is to provide explanations of a psychosocial nature about the possible causes of school dropout in the university environment starting from the psychosocial specifics of this period. The methodology used is that of an analytical synthesis of theories and empirical studies in the area of ​​developmental psychology and social psychology, trying to offer specialists in the fields of education and socio-economics tools for in-depth knowledge of this population segment. This article presents some aspects specific to the period of transition from adolescence to adulthood characterized by adaptation to new and diverse social roles, intellectual challenges and socio-economic and cultural contexts. The age range between 18 and 25 has been called by psychologist Jeffrey Arnett (2000) emerging adulthood, a distinct period of development with specific psychological and social aspects. This is considered a critical period of life and one of the most dynamic stages in life because the maturation process is intensely influenced by the socio-cultural, economic context where psychological mechanisms are vulnerable. This process is a reality today, especially among young people in developed countries, but it can be considered a global process with local and regional accents depending on specific features.

Keywords

• transition
• emerging maturity
• identity
• risk-taking
• self-esteem
• stress