Abstract:

The attainment of adult status in Greece is a neglected research issue. Sociodemographic changes and the severity and long duration of the Global Recession in this country (2008-2018) are expected to contribute to the delayed entry to adulthood, especially among university students. In this study, conducted in 2015, 814 university students (ages 18-25; M = 19.9) provided information on subjective adult status (per se and with significant others), achievement of adulthood criteria, associations between the two, and several personal and contextual variables. Results showed that two thirds of the sample felt in-between adolescence and adulthood. They felt more adult in work, university, and romantic relationships, and less adult with parents, friends, and siblings. The most achieved criteria were in the areas of Norm Compliance and Independence, whereas Role Transitions had been achieved the least. A variety of achievements, reflected in Independence, Norm Compliance, and Family Capacities criteria, and some concrete transitions were significantly associated with subjective adult status. Gender, age, parents’ educational level, financial constraints, and financial concerns significantly and differentially predicted the achievement of several adulthood markers. Results provide insight into the achievement of adult status within the Greek context in the aftermath of the Global Recession.