Positive development over the transition to adulthood: its nature and antecedents

Abstract

This thesis explores the nature, development, and correlates of positive development over the transition to adulthood. Recently, calls have been made for a greater focus on successful functioning over the life span. The positive development framework, which in general terms refers to the positive aspects of human behaviour and to successful developmental outcomes, seeks to address these calls and provides a framework for understanding pathways towards adaptive functioning. The potential for positive development is of particular relevance to the emerging adulthood period, as successful development during this period is likely to affect the degree t..