What Does It Mean to Be an Adult? The Role of Parenthood

Introduction

What does it mean to be an adult? Historically, adulthood was characterized by a series of milestones—completing education, entering the workforce, getting married, and having children. In recent times, these markers appear to have shifted, with many people delaying or redefining the traditional steps due to various personal and social factors (Newman & Newman, 2018). Different ideas about growing up lead to conflicting definitions of adulthood, which can make the transition from adolescence to adulthood difficult for those who do not know what to expect or how to act. What it means to be an adult is a question that everyone must ultimately answer for himself or herself.

Adulthood is not a simple, universally agreed-upon concept. In some cultures, adulthood is understood very differently than in others. In general, the concept refers to a stage of life shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors (Newman & Newman, 2018). From a biological perspective, brain development continues well into one's twenties and affects decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Psychologically, adulthood is often associated with identity formation, self-sufficiency, and the ability to manage responsibilities independently. Socially, it is defined through relationships, career stability, and the ability to provide for oneself and others (Newman & Newman, 2018).

This paper examines how different views of adulthood can create challenges that might require social work support. Social workers can help by providing resources, guidance, and advocacy for people as they work toward becoming adults—particularly those who are uncertain about what adulthood requires. One helpful way to examine adulthood is through the idea of being responsible for a dependent. By analyzing adulthood through the lens of parenthood, this paper discusses the challenges and adaptations a person experiences on the way to becoming an adult.

Biopsychosocial Approach to Adulthood

Adulthood can be defined by biological, psychological, and social factors. Some cultures may view adulthood as a legal status or a personal milestone, but on an individual level it is important to understand what this transition means for the person entering this phase. One of the most significant and transformative experiences that can signal adulthood is parenthood. Becoming a parent often forces a person to assume new responsibilities, develop new identities, and navigate major physical, emotional, and social changes. The biopsychosocial model helps explain how these dimensions interact to give shape and meaning to adulthood.

The biological dimension of adulthood involves physical maturation and brain development, which shape a person's capacity to function independently. Neurological development is perhaps the most important factor. Physical maturity—such as full height and reproductive capability—is often reached in the late teens, but brain development continues into the mid-to-late twenties (Newman & Newman, 2018). The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and emotional regulation, is one of the last areas of the brain to mature (Newman & Newman, 2018). This explains why adolescents and emerging adults often engage in risk-taking behaviors and struggle with long-term planning. Becoming a parent, however, accelerates the need for responsible decision-making.

The transition to parenthood also correlates with physiological changes. Pregnancy and childbirth introduce hormonal fluctuations that affect mood and well-being. Fathers experience hormonal changes as well, such as a drop in testosterone levels, which can facilitate caregiving behaviors and emotional bonding with their child (Walczak, 2023). These biological shifts represent the body's way of adapting to a new reality: adulthood.

Stress is another significant factor. Chronic stress in young parents—especially those without strong support systems—can lead to long-term health consequences, including anxiety disorders, depression, and physical exhaustion (Burton et al., 2024). Financial instability can compound this stress, underscoring why the social dimension of becoming an adult cannot be overlooked.

One of the defining psychological markers of adulthood is the ability to self-regulate emotions and behavior. Adolescents typically rely on external structures and guidance from parents or other authority figures. Adulthood, by contrast, requires internal regulation: a person must serve as his or her own authority, providing self-imposed structure, discipline, and guidance. Parenthood amplifies this need for self-regulation considerably (Newman & Newman, 2018).

Another key psychological component of adulthood is identity formation. Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development holds that young adulthood builds on the resolution of the identity vs. role confusion conflict and moves toward the challenge of intimacy vs. isolation—a stage in which young adults seek stable, meaningful relationships (Newman & Newman, 2018). Parenthood is a role that compels adaptation to new relational demands and deepens this process of identity development.

Unexpected parenthood, however, can create significant psychological distress, especially for those who have not yet established a clear sense of self. Young parents who experience unplanned pregnancies may struggle with self-doubt and anxiety (Walczak, 2023). Past trauma can also be a factor; someone who experienced family conflict in childhood may find it difficult to develop healthy attitudes and habits around parenting.

Social expectations and cultural norms play a powerful role in shaping how and when individuals are perceived as adults. While traditional adulthood markers—such as financial independence, marriage, and homeownership—were once regarded as universal milestones, modern research suggests that these markers are shifting and becoming more flexible (Walczak, 2023).

One of the greatest social pressures of adulthood is financial stability. Historically, reaching adulthood meant securing a stable job, living independently, and supporting a family (Tillman et al., 2019). In contemporary society, however, many young adults struggle to achieve financial independence, often delaying homeownership and career stability due to economic challenges (Burton et al., 2024). This shift has produced inconsistencies in how adulthood is defined: some individuals achieve emotional and psychological maturity while still relying on parents for financial support. Parenthood often serves as a turning point in this regard, as the need to provide for a child motivates financial responsibility even among those who were previously dependent (Tillman et al., 2019).

Social support systems, including family networks and community resources, also affect how people approach parenthood and adult responsibilities. People with strong support systems are more likely to successfully transition into adulthood, whereas those without support may experience greater stress and insecurity (Newman & Newman, 2018).

Adolescence vs. Adulthood: Boundaries and Inconsistencies

For most people, the transition from adolescence to adulthood involves finishing school, achieving financial stability, and living independently. For others, it also includes marriage and parenthood. These events are sometimes referred to as the "Big Five" adulthood markers (Newman & Newman, 2018). Modern culture, however, challenges the relevance of these traditional markers, as young adults increasingly delay or redefine these life events (Walczak, 2023).

Today, many young adults do not view marriage or parenthood as necessary milestones in becoming an adult (Walczak, 2023). Instead, they prioritize personal freedom and self-sufficiency. Traditional markers no longer represent clear turning points. Higher education, once considered a primary transition into adulthood, has become more prolonged and expensive, delaying progress toward financial independence. Student debt, job market instability, and rising living costs all make financial freedom more difficult to achieve at a young age (Burton et al., 2024). Likewise, many young adults live with their parents longer for financial reasons, making independence increasingly elusive. Additionally, many young people choose to delay or forgo parenthood altogether, as changing social values place greater emphasis on personal freedom (Sarma et al., 2018). Adulthood is now seen by many as an extended adolescence—one that simply offers more opportunities and greater freedom. But what happens when circumstances change unexpectedly?

Conclusion

This paper has explored how different perspectives on adulthood create challenges that can require social work intervention. Traditional adulthood markers may still hold relevance, but modern conceptions of adulthood carry significant complexity when it comes to how those markers are applied. Parenthood remains one of the few widely recognized transitions into adulthood. Becoming a parent reshapes a person's identity, necessitating a shift in focus from self-centered decision-making to responsibility for another life. That transition comes with real challenges, however—among them financial instability, mental health struggles, and insufficient support.

Support systems are essential in helping young people navigate a redefined adulthood. As social expectations continue to change, social workers should consider how best to support young parents, assist with economic stability, and promote access to mental health resources. By recognizing parenthood as a major factor in the transition to adulthood, practitioners can help develop stronger support structures that promote the growth and well-being of young people as they enter this new stage of life.

References

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