Mental Health As Emerging Adults

Background
Health is described as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO, 2005; 2004). Mental Health, however, is a new direction in our society, and so a universal agreement on the theoretical clarification of mental health is likely to continue to evolve as there is considerable disagreement in relation to how we conceptualise and measure mental health (Cooke, Melchert, & Connor, 2016). Universally agreed upon, our mental health is central to well-being, and an essential component of effective functioning at both an individual and a community level (WHO, 2005). The WHO define the concept of positive wellbeing as synonymous with the term mental health stating ‘mental health is defined as a

Therefore, they are flagged as a vulnerable age group and referred to as ‘emerging adults’ in the developmental stage between adolescents and adulthood (Arnett, 2012). The emerging adult stage ranges from the age of 18 to 29 years, but is particularly focused on 18 to 25 years (Arnett, 2000). This period is a time for identity exploration. A subjective, ambiguous time, emerging adulthood is when a young person does not see themselves as an adolescent, yet neither see themselves as having reached adulthood (Arnett, 2000). Although, emerging adulthood may seem like an enjoyable time for most, many face anxiety with the weight of adult responsibilities and experience serious problems and developmental challenges (Arnett, 2015). However, this stage is also seen as significant opportunity for positive development through teaching skills of positive adaption and resilience as they show the capacity for change and improved skills for positive well-being (O’Connor et al., 2014)