Abstract
Emerging adulthood is marked by important decisions about life choices. These life choices have their roots in sociocultural and historical contexts. The present study used a mixed methodology, concept mapping, to understand the tasks that are deemed as important by emerging adults in India. Study 1 comprised five focus group discussions with individuals between 18 and 29 years (N = 40, M age = 23) providing insights on the range of life choices. Study 2 (N = 60, M age = 23) incorporated rating and sorting methodologies to derive cluster maps. Eight clusters emerged. In order of importance: responsibility toward family, independence/autonomy, financial security, education/career, parental expectations, romantic relationships, community and faith, and societal norms. Influences on decision-making of these life choices included self, others, circumstantial, and external. Findings have implications for adaptation to social change and overall well-being in emerging adulthood.
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