Adolescent Skill Preparation Impact on Transition to Adulthood
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-9-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-9-2026 12:45 PM
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which young people shape the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will influence their lives as adults (Teachers Institute, 2023; Torpey, 2017). The educational system often neglects to address teaching essential life skills and career planning due to the prioritization of conventional academic studies (Srivastavy, 2015). As a result, many students may struggle with the transition to adulthood. Exposure to life skills training and structured career guidance can help ease this transition and is a key factor in helping individuals transition to adulthood (Serbes & Albay, 2017). Currently, there is limited data on the association between adolescent participation in these areas and outcomes in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to determine whether access to career planning and life skill-building activities in adolescence have made an impact on current college students. Further, this study aims to explore the relationship between participation in these activities during adolescence and reported well-being and life satisfaction in adulthood. The current work is a pilot study with a structured questionnaire administered to college students ages 18-35 within the Chicagoland area. This questionnaire asks about access to and utilization of life skill and career-planning resources during adolescence, and how they perceived the impact of these resources on their development post-high school. Data will be coded using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and thematic coding for open-ended responses. Data analysis is expected to be completed in April 2026.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Alli Cipra
Adolescent Skill Preparation Impact on Transition to Adulthood
University Library
Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which young people shape the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that will influence their lives as adults (Teachers Institute, 2023; Torpey, 2017). The educational system often neglects to address teaching essential life skills and career planning due to the prioritization of conventional academic studies (Srivastavy, 2015). As a result, many students may struggle with the transition to adulthood. Exposure to life skills training and structured career guidance can help ease this transition and is a key factor in helping individuals transition to adulthood (Serbes & Albay, 2017). Currently, there is limited data on the association between adolescent participation in these areas and outcomes in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to determine whether access to career planning and life skill-building activities in adolescence have made an impact on current college students. Further, this study aims to explore the relationship between participation in these activities during adolescence and reported well-being and life satisfaction in adulthood. The current work is a pilot study with a structured questionnaire administered to college students ages 18-35 within the Chicagoland area. This questionnaire asks about access to and utilization of life skill and career-planning resources during adolescence, and how they perceived the impact of these resources on their development post-high school. Data will be coded using descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and thematic coding for open-ended responses. Data analysis is expected to be completed in April 2026.