Failure to Launch (FTL): A Narrative Review and Call for Research
Alison E Calentino1, Connor Lawhead2, Daniel N Klein3
1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA. alison.calentino@stonybrook.edu.
Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Failure to launch (FTL) describes young adults struggling with independence, facing delayed milestones. More research is needed to understand causes and effective interventions for this growing clinical concern.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Failure to launch (FTL) affects young adults, characterized by living with parents, unemployment, and educational non-participation.
- This developmental delay in achieving adult functioning is common in clinical settings but lacks empirical research.
- Existing literature offers limited systematic investigation into FTL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define Failure to launch (FTL) and differentiate it from related concepts.
- To review empirical findings and highlight the need for dedicated FTL research.
- To explore potential risk factors, correlates, and outcomes associated with FTL.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Comparison of FTL with constructs like Peter Pan syndrome, NEET, and hikikomori.
- Examination of existing assessment tools and psychotherapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- FTL is distinct yet overlaps with related syndromes, requiring clear definition.
- Limited empirical data exists on FTL prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.
- Current assessment and intervention strategies for FTL are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Failure to launch (FTL) represents a significant clinical issue requiring further investigation.
- Research is crucial to understand FTL's etiology, developmental trajectory, and effective prevention/intervention strategies.
- Drawing on related literature can inform future FTL research and clinical practice.