Established Adults (30-45) Perceptions of the Markers of Adulthood: A Qualitative Investigation

Markers of adulthood are studied in emerging adults (18-29), but not established adults (EstAs, 30-45) who are achieving these markers. Interviews with 100 established adults, aged 30-45 (M = 37) revealed that they perceived markers of adulthood as self-sufficiency, financial independence, responsibility for others, job security, and home ownership.