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Brigham Young University
The purpose of this on-going study is threefold. The first purpose, in general, is to examine the transition to adulthood among LDS youth in their late teens and early twenties.
The second purpose of this study will be to collect data from a non-LDS population, which will allow us to make direct comparisons between non-LDS and LDS emerging adults on the criteria they have for becoming an adult. There is reason to believe there may be significant differences between these two groups.
The third purpose is to explore a variety of other topics related to development during this time period, including the role that family relationships, educational experiences, and strength of religious beliefs have in the transition to adulthood.
Nearly 400 LDS students at Brigham Young University and nearly 300 non-LDS students at the University of Maryland between 18 to 26 years of age have participated thus far as well as nearly 250 Chinese students at the University of Beijing. Each participant completed a 143-item questionnaire that asked about background, including family, ethnic and religious background. This year will include the participation of more students from various religious and ethnic cultures. The participation of such a variety of students will allow for comparison of North American LDS and non-LDS emerging adults with Chinese emerging adults, as well as a better understanding of the role of religion in the transition to adulthood. It will also allow for a better understanding of the role of culture during emerging adulthood.