The New York Longitudinal Study (NYLS): the young adult periods

This paper focuses on the findings and analyses, both qualitative and quantitative, of the young adult periods; early adult life (EAL) or ages 18 to 24, and young adult life (YAL) or ages 25 to 30. A summary is given of the sample and methods used in the study. Complexities of the life paths of the 133 subjects are traced, and the adolescent findings are discussed. In this middle class sample, the YAL period was found qualitatively to demand greater resolution of goals, life patterns and self-sufficiency than earlier periods.