The Clark University Poll of Parents of Emerging Adults finds that 63% of parents of 18- to 29-year-olds agree that their grown children’s lives hold more opportunities than were available to them at the same age. Despite this, 82% of parents agree with the statement, “Overall, I am satisfied with my life” – nearly even with 83% of emerging adults who reported the same in last year’s Clark University Poll of Emerging Adults.<\/p>\n
“Despite frequent claims that today’s emerging adults have worse prospects than their parents did, most parents see their kids as having a wider range of opportunities today,” concludes Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, the Clark University Research Professor of Psychology who directed the poll. “Both parents and emerging adults are hopeful that the kids have a bright future ahead.”<\/p>\n
Other findings<\/strong>:<\/p>\n “I believe that, overall, my child’s life will be better than my life has been.” The less education parents have, the more likely they are to “believe that, overall, my child’s life will be better than my life has been.” “My life will be better than my parents’ lives have been.” “This time of my life is fun and exciting.” “At this time of life, it still seems like anything’s possible.” Parents fare somewhat better in reports on stress and anxiety: “This time of my life is full of uncertainty.” “I often feel anxious.” “I often feel depressed.” The 2013 Clark University Poll of Parents of Emerging Adults was developed by Arnett, who coined the term “emerging adulthood.” He recently co-authored (with Elisabeth Fishel) “When Will My Grown-Up Kid Grow Up: Loving and Understanding Your Emerging Adult” (Workman; May 2013). The book offers insights into how parents and their emerging adult children can navigate this stage in their relationship\/development.<\/p>\n
\n69% – all parents
\n85% – African Americans
\n74% – Latinos
\n64% – Whites<\/p>\n
\n77% – high school or less
\n68% – some college
\n64% – college degree<\/p>\n
\n77% – emerging adults<\/p>\n
\n67% – parents
\n85% – emerging adults<\/p>\n
\n75% – parents
\n89% – emerging adults<\/p>\n
\n“This time of my life is stressful.”
\n72% – emerging adults
\n67% – parents<\/p>\n
\n65% – emerging adults
\n49% – parents<\/p>\n
\n56% – emerging adults
\n41% – parents<\/p>\n
\n33% – emerging adults
\n28% – parents<\/p>\n