Emerging Adulthood in North America: Identity Status and Perceptions of Adulthood Among College Students in Canada and the United States

This study examined perceptions of adulthood and associations with identity status development among college students in Canada and the United States. Participants were 678 college students (278 Canadian and 400 from the United States) between 18 and 25 years of age who completed the Alternate Model for Transition to Adulthood and the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status. Students in Canada and the United States differed in their views on the characteristics of adulthood (for three of the five markers of adulthood). As expected, identity status scores in the personal domains were associated with students' perceptions of adulthood. Differences were seen in the moderation of country on the linkages of foreclosure and achievement with role transitions and norm compliance, respectively. Identity theory and macro-environmental factors are considered in the interpretation of results.