Young Adults and Failure to Launch
“Failure to launch” is a term used to describe the phenomenon of young adults, typically in their 20s and 30s, who struggle to transition into independent adult life. They often have clinical issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, or ADHD. As a result, these individuals may have difficulty finding and maintaining employment, forming healthy relationships, or living independently.
For various reasons, they may still be living with their parents or relying heavily on their families for support. Moreover, this term is often used to describe individuals who are unable or unwilling to take on the responsibilities of adulthood and who are struggling to achieve the milestones traditionally associated with growing up.
A report by the Pew Research Center found that the number of young adults living with their parents in the United States has increased in recent years. According to the report, in 2019, 52% of adults aged 18 to 29 lived with their parents, the highest percentage in over a century (Fry et al., 2020).
In addition, a 2014 report found that the median age at first marriage has been increasing steadily since the 1950s. The median age at first marriage was 29 for men and 27 for women, the highest in recorded history (Wang & Parker, 2014).
These statistics suggest that more young adults are delaying major life milestones, such as moving out of their parent’s homes and getting married. While this may not necessarily indicate a failure to launch, it highlights that many young adults need help to achieve the traditional markers of adulthood.
Importance of Addressing Failure to Launch
Addressing the issue of failure to launch is essential for several reasons:
1. Personal Well-Being
Young adults who struggle to transition into independent adult life may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. They may also face financial struggles and cannot independently achieve attainable goals and aspirations.
2. Societal Impact
Failure to launch can have a broader impact on society. For example, young adults unable to achieve financial independence and contribute to the economy may become dependent on social welfare programs, which can strain government resources. Also, delayed adulthood milestones can ripple effects on family structures and community development.
3. Future Success
Young adults unable to launch successfully may need help to achieve future success in their personal and professional lives. Addressing the underlying issues early on can help prevent long-term negative consequences. Many young adults who fail to launch have clinical mental health issues that weren’t addressed.
Causes of Failure to Launch
There are several potential causes of failure to launch, including
1. Parental Factors
Overprotective or helicopter parenting and lack of independence in childhood can contribute to a lack of self-sufficiency in adulthood. Those who use parenting styles that give their children enough opportunities to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and self-care skills may need help to take on these responsibilities in adulthood.
2. Personal Factors
Lack of motivation and fear of failure can also contribute to failure to launch. Young adults afraid of failing may avoid taking risks or pursuing their goals, while those lacking motivation struggle to find purpose and direction in life.
3. Mental Health Disorders
Some mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can make it difficult for individuals to focus, set goals, and develop the necessary skills to become independent. For example, mood disorders can make finding the motivation to do anything challenging.
At the same time, anxiety can cause excessive worry and fear, preventing individuals from taking risks and trying new things. In addition, other mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, or bipolar disorders, can make it difficult for individuals to manage their symptoms and maintain stable employment or relationships, contributing to a failure to launch.
Often these young adults can hold it together or mask their problems until they are fully independent. So instead of launching into the world, they shut down because of their clinical issues.
4. Societal Factors
Economic challenges, such as high student debt and a competitive job market, can make it difficult for young adults to achieve financial independence. Social media and other cultural influences may also contribute to unrealistic expectations and a lack of understanding of the realities of adulthood.
Consequences of Failure to Launch
Failure to launch can have several consequences, both for society and the individual as a whole. These consequences may include the following:
1. Personal Consequences
Young adults who struggle to transition into independent adult life may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. They may also face financial struggles, have difficulty forming healthy relationships, and cannot achieve their goals and aspirations. It is also a major source of conflict between the adult child and the parent.
2. Societal Consequences
Failure to launch can have a broader societal impact. Aside from being unable to achieve financial independence and contribute to the economy, failure to launch can ripple effects on family structures and community development.
3. Delayed Milestones
Failure to launch may delay significant life milestones, such as moving out of one’s parent’s home, getting married, and starting a family. In addition, it can lead to a prolonged period of adolescence and a lack of progress toward personal and professional goals.
Solutions to Failure to Launch
Addressing failure to launch requires a multifaceted approach considering each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Some potential solutions include the following:
1. Encourage Independence
Parents and caregivers can support young adults in developing independence by gradually increasing their adult responsibilities and allowing them to make decisions and face consequences. It is essential in building self-sufficiency and addressing a young person’s lack of confidence and self-esteem issues. It is important to keep expectations in check, as parents often think “getting a job” or “going to college” will magically fix the issue.
2. Provide Support
Supportive networks like mentorship programs, counseling, family therapy, and peer groups may benefit young adults. These can provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for social connections.
In addition, family members are crucial in helping a young adult start an independent life. Balancing support with stretching a young adult is essential. Focus on the positive reinforcement of coping skills.
3. Foster Resilience
Developing resilience skills, problem-solving, self-reflection, and coping strategies can help young adults navigate challenges and setbacks. Many times, young adults lack these skills, and that is part of why they can’t independently launch.
4. Offer Career Counseling
Career counseling can guide the development of job skills, identifying career paths, and pursuing employment opportunities necessary for independent living. It can be particularly helpful in improving a young adult’s ability, especially those struggling to find work or establish a career. Remember, a job won’t fix the issues, but it should be part of a growth plan after addressing clinical mental health issues.
5. Promote Financial Literacy
Education on budgeting, managing debt, and other financial skills that can help young adults get started in the right direction to achieve financial independence and stability. That way, they won’t be reliant on the financial support given by their parents or the government.
6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
When a young adult fails to launch because of mental health challenges, the first step to addressing the problem is to seek professional help from a mental health expert.
Psychologists can help address the underlying mental health issues of these young men and women while providing them with a treatment plan along with the life skills that will help them handle difficult situations in the real world.
Parents should seek their support when their adult child is stuck to gain the right communication tools to speak with their child and family.
Citations
Fry, R., Passel, J. S., & Cohn, D. (2020, September 4). A majority of young adults in the U.S. live with their parents for the first time since the Great Depression. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/09/04/a-majority-of-young-adults-in-the-u-s-live-with-their-parents-for-the-first-time-since-the-great-depression/
Wang, W., & Parker, K. (2014, September 24). Record share of Americans have never married. Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2014/09/24/record-share-of-americans-have-never-married/
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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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