Most 18-year-olds report feeling like they are adults in some ways (legal rights, responsibilities) but not in others (financial dependence, emotional maturity).
Nearly half of young adults reported a mental illness or substance use disorder recently, with climate anxiety and academic burnout being primary drivers. A New Kind of Hope teens 18yo
Psychologists now often refer to 18-year-olds as emerging adults rather than just teens. This stage is defined by: Most 18-year-olds report feeling like they are adults
Among Black teens, 50% say they'll attend a four-year college (not significantly different from White or Hispanic teens). In turn, Pew Research Center Anticipated Youth Mental Health Trends in 2026 This stage is defined by: Among Black teens,
Today's 18-year-olds are facing a unique set of "2026-specific" hurdles:
It’s a period of intense questioning regarding work, values, and love. Modern Pressures and Challenges