Existential foundations of early adulthood: A phenomenological understanding of Levinson's theory of adult development

Abstract

Among the development psychology studies, there was not much research work had been done on early adulthood development, while Levinson’s Theory of Adult Development was the dominant study in this field, yet there was no research had been conducted based on Hong Kong culture. Therefore, with reference to the Entry Life Structure for Early Adulthood and the Age 30 Transition stages proposed in Levinson’s theory, this study attempted to investigate the phenomenon and lived experiences of the adulthood development in Hong Kong Chinese young adults who aged within 22 to 33 years old. 15 participants were recruited through criterion-based and snowball sampling and they were interviewed in a semi-structured format. From the findings, the participants provided their definitions of adulthood, transition, awakening experience, and introspection, with seven themes emerged, which these themes were in fact highly correlated to the four ultimate existential givens, including death or loss, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness respectively. Besides, a cyclical and retrospective nature of adulthood development was identified with cultural-specific concerns illustrated by the participants. This study provides preventive and and future-oriented research that could be guidance for future career and life planning of these individuals as well as for potential counselling psychology practices in Hong Kong.