Sequencing Education with Family Formation During the Transition to Adulthood: Implications for Adult Depression

• In Event: 520 - Section on the Sociology of the Family Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Transition to Adulthood

Abstract

In this study I considered the limits of a college degree to protect individuals from mental ill-health during the transition to adulthood by examining the effects of family role adoption sequencing with bachelor’s degree completion on depression. Guided by two life course perspectives: cumulative advantage/disadvantage theory and the normative order hypothesis, I hypothesized that entering family roles prior to earning a bachelor’s degree will result in greater depressive symptoms in adulthood. I also explored the role of perceived physical health as a potential mediator in the relationships between role sequencing and depression. In order to test the hypothesized relationships, I used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Results illustrate that family sequencing effects were present for adult depression outcomes among some groups with primary differences varying by gender. However, the evidence does not allow for strong theoretical conclusions to be drawn. Also shown was that unique and unexpected links exist between marital sequencing and perceived physical health.

Author

• James Richard S. McCall, Washington State University