Am I There Yet? Emerging Adulthood for Women in an American Orthodox Jewish Context

Abstract

This qualitative study conducts a thematic analysis of 12 in-depth individual interviews with unmarried American Orthodox Jewish women who are currently within the emerging adulthood stage of life (18–22) as it has been defined by current research. The research aims to determine the ways by which the process of emerging adulthood for American Orthodox Jewish women is similar to or different from established empirical and theoretical developmental models. The results give voice to their experiences and confirm that psychologist Jeffrey Arnett’s five emerging adulthood characteristics are relevant in the lives of these participants. Additionally, the study identified four elements of emerging adulthood unique to the experience of these Orthodox Jewish women expanding our understanding of the process of emerging adulthood.

Further recommendations for individuals, practice, research, and community are outlined.