Description
708: Counseling Individuals in Emerging Adulthood: Critical Areas of Identity and Spiritual Development
Derek Parker, M.A.
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515
Summary
This presentation will explore identity and spiritual development in individuals during emerging adulthood (ages 18-25). The “five pillars” characteristic of emerging adulthood, as discussed by Arnett (2006), will be presented. The critical areas of substance use, delayed launching, cultural diversity, and exploration of self, others, and spirituality will be investigated. Finally, counseling techniques to be used by counselors with this population will be discussed and demonstrated.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Summarize areas of identity and spiritual development and factors that impact development (including substance use, cultural diversity, delayed launching, and more) of individuals in emerging adulthood and the impact they have on the counseling relationship
• Analyze foundational principles of development and apply protective factors and resiliency factors for those in emerging adulthood as factors related to tasks characteristic of this developmental stage
• Articulate and demonstrate potential skills of intervening and working with emerging adults for addiction counselors and licensed mental health professionals
