“Things Have Gotten Better”

Abstract

Emerging adulthood involves a number of developmental changes, including in the areas of interpersonal relations, religious views, and sexuality. The current study examined individuals’ perceptions of changes in these areas as a result of the transition to university. Participants (N = 205, 61% female, age range 18 to 25) responded to open-ended questions about changes in their relationships with parents, religious views, and views about sex. These responses were coded for themes and positivity. Changes were most common in relationships with parents, and least in religious views. Associations were found between types of changes and year in school. Changes in all three areas were generally portrayed positively. Belief or quality changes were more common than behavioral changes.