Piecing Together the Good Life: A Qualitative Longitudinal Analysis of Young Emerging Adults' Views

• In Event: Diverse Perspectives in Research on Moral Development and Education

Abstract

Despite longstanding scholarly interest in concepts like thriving, flourishing, and wellness, explorations of emerging adults’ (18-29) understanding of “the good life” for themselves are limited. This scarcity is startling given the importance of this life stage—both in quantity of time and psychological development—within individuals’ lifespans. Using unanalyzed interview data from the National Survey of Youth and Religion, this longitudinal, qualitative study tracks 81 individuals’ responses to questions on the good life across three waves of interviews spanning emerging adulthood (ages 15-20; 18-23; and 23-28). Consequently, we offer nuanced insights into the various pieces of emerging adults’ conceptualizations of the good life along with how these pieces change over time.

Authors

• Theodore F Cockle, Baylor University
  Presenting Author

• Jessica Martin, Baylor University
  Presenting Author

• Perry L. Glanzer, Baylor University
  Presenting Author