The Relationship Between Personal Traits, Transition-to-adulthood Trajectories, and Adult Perceptions

• In Event: 30860 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 8. Social Relationships Over the Life Course

Abstract

The transition to adulthood is a crucial topic in life course research. This study integrates sociological and psychological perspectives within the framework of the Second Demographic Transition and proposes a confluence model of life course to explore diverse perceptions of adulthood. Using data from the Taiwan Youth Project, this study examines the relationships between early personal traits, transition-to-adulthood trajectories, and perceptions of adulthood, highlighting the cultural influences of East Asian societies. Factor analysis identifies three key components of adulthood: economic independence, marriage and parenthood, and independent living. Then, through latent profile analysis, this study categorizes three perceptions of adulthood: comprehensive emphasis, economic independence first, and minimal emphasis. Regarding personal traits and transition-to-adulthood trajectories, this study considers individualism and Confucian values such as family heritage and filial piety. The transition process is further analyzed by separating leaving home from other social indicators. Sequence analysis identifies four types of leaving-home trajectories: leaving home, staying home, delayed departure, and returning home. Multi-channel sequence analysis identifies five transition-to-adulthood trajectories: early-bird slow transition, late-start singlehood, mid-age rapid transition, early-bird rapid transition, and early-bird singlehood. Multinomial logistic regression analysis shows that individuals who value family lineage and continuity and those who follow the mid-age rapid or early-bird rapid transition trajectories are more likely to adopt a comprehensive perception of adulthood. In contrast, young adults following the late-start singlehood trajectory tend to prioritize economic independence. Leaving-home trajectories do not influence perceptions of adulthood, and the effect of personal traits on perceptions of adulthood is not mediated by transition-to-adulthood trajectories.

Author

• Chun-Yin Lee, National Chengchi University