Using transition design to explore transition from adolescence to adulthood
Juliet T Jarrell1, Olivia M Stransky2, Jacquelin Rankine2
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.
Health Care Transitions
|May 18, 2026
Summary
This study explored the transition from adolescence to adulthood by gathering insights from young adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Findings reveal diverse perspectives on improving mental health and resource accessibility during this critical life stage.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Existing research on adolescent to adult transition is limited to healthcare settings.
- Few studies holistically investigate this process, incorporating young adult and caregiver viewpoints.
- This study addresses the gap by exploring the transition from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood from the perspectives of young adults, caregivers, social services providers, and healthcare providers.
- To identify key challenges and potential solutions for a more sustainable and equitable transition process.
- To inform future research and interventions for improving this developmental stage.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Transition Design, a novel qualitative methodology.
- Employed visual mind-mapping exercises on the Miro platform for problem identification and future model creation.
- Applied thematic analysis to coded data from 25 participants (7 young adults, 5 caregivers, 4 social services providers, 9 healthcare providers).
Main Results:
- All participants identified mental health and resource access as key concerns.
- Young adults prioritized societal and structural changes.
- Caregivers focused on advocacy, social services providers on community resources, and healthcare providers on the health sector.
Conclusions:
- The transition from adolescence to adulthood is complex, involving broad societal domains.
- Diverse stakeholder perspectives are crucial for understanding and improving this process.
- Findings can inform future research and interventions both within and outside the healthcare system.
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