Perceptions of Achieved Criteria for Adulthood Among Austrian, Slovene, and U.S. Students

Abstract

This study investigated perceptions of achieved criteria for adulthood (ACA) among emerging adult student samples from Austria ( n = 210), Slovenia ( n = 201), and the United States ( n = 225). Controlling for parental education, students’ age (18-27 years), and gender, we aimed to explain between- and within-sample differences in the ACA by taking the students’ living situation, intimate relationship status, and expectations about their future perspectives into account. The participants indicated the ACA on the questionnaire based on criteria for reaching adulthood used in studies of adulthood conceptions. The students also provided information about when they think they will start the first full-time career, get married, gain financial independence, and become a parent. The Europeans indicated less ACA than the Americans; 20% of the variance in the ACA was, along with the country effect, explained by the intimate relationship status and future perspectives.