Young Adults and Failure to Launch

“Failure to launch” is a term used to describe the phenomenon of young adults, typically in their 20s and 30s, who struggle to transition into independent adult life. They often have clinical issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, or ADHD. As a result, these individuals may have difficulty finding and maintaining employment, forming healthy relationships, or living independently.

For various reasons, they may still be living with their parents or relying heavily on their families for support.

Causes of Failure to Launch

There are several potential causes of failure to launch, including:

1. Parental Factors

Overprotective or helicopter parenting and lack of independence in childhood can contribute to a lack of self-sufficiency in adulthood. Those who use parenting styles that give their children enough opportunities to practice decision-making, problem-solving, and self-care skills may need help to take on these responsibilities in adulthood.

2. Personal Factors

Lack of motivation and fear of failure can also contribute to failure to launch. Young adults afraid of failing may avoid taking risks or pursuing their goals, while those lacking motivation struggle to find purpose and direction in life.

3. Mental Health Disorders

Some mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can make it difficult for individuals to focus, set goals, and develop the necessary skills to become independent.

Often these young adults can hold it together or mask their problems until they are fully independent. So instead of launching into the world, they shut down because of their clinical issues.

4. Societal Factors

Economic challenges, such as high student debt and a competitive job market, can make it difficult for young adults to achieve financial independence. Social media and other cultural influences may also contribute to unrealistic expectations and a lack of understanding of the realities of adulthood.

Solutions to Failure to Launch

Some potential solutions include the following:

1. Encourage Independence

Parents and caregivers can support young adults in developing independence by gradually increasing their adult responsibilities and allowing them to make decisions and face consequences. It is essential in building self-sufficiency and addressing a young person’s lack of confidence and self-esteem issues.

2. Provide Support

Supportive networks like mentorship programs, counseling, family therapy, and peer groups may benefit young adults. These can provide guidance, encouragement, and opportunities for social connections.

Balancing support with stretching a young adult is essential. Focus on the positive reinforcement of coping skills.

3. Foster Resilience

Developing resilience skills, problem-solving, self-reflection, and coping strategies can help young adults navigate challenges and setbacks. Many times, young adults lack these skills, and that is part of why they can’t independently launch.

4. Offer Career Counseling

Career counseling can guide the development of job skills, identifying career paths, and pursuing employment opportunities necessary for independent living. It can be particularly helpful in improving a young adult’s ability, especially those struggling to find work or establish a career.

5. Promote Financial Literacy

Education on budgeting, managing debt, and other financial skills that can help young adults get started in the right direction to achieve financial independence and stability. That way, they won’t be reliant on the financial support given by their parents or the government.

6. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

When a young adult fails to launch because of mental health challenges, the first step to addressing the problem is to seek professional help from a mental health expert.

Excerpted from “Young Adults and Failure to Launch” by Roseann Capanna-Hodge. Read the full article on Medium.

Source: Medium | Young Adults and Failure to Launch, https://medium.com/@drroseanncapannahodge/young-adults-and-failure-to-launch-21df6f3ad608 | © Roseann-Capanna-Hodge, LLC 2023

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