Mental health in emerging adulthood

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is defined by high heterogeneity, non-universality and by signifi­cant relation to economic development of society and other societal contexts. High levels of risks for unintentional injuries and high prevalence of mental health prob­lems is characteristic. Mental problems do often have chronic course, they are often not treated or under-treated and they have high level of comorbidity. There are no specific conceptual models of psychotherapy developed for this population and we don’t have sufficient evidence base for specific treatments. On the other hand in transition to adult­hood mental health and wellbeing are flourishing. It is of crucial importance to know and to understand factors of patho- and salutogenesis, to discover vulnerable parts of population and to ensure appropriate preventive programs. Special emphasis should be given to the problem of youth unemployment and to crucial role of society which should ensure appropriate function of labour market.