The conference is dedicated to emerging adulthood as a distinct phase of development. Therefore, it is essential that both the title and the content of the proposed presentation clearly fit within this context. Presentations focusing on adulthood in general, without explicit reference to emerging adulthood, may be considered thematically irrelevant. A submission will be regarded as relevant to the conference theme if its primary analysis addresses experiences, challenges, or transformations characteristic of emerging adulthood. Broader contexts (e.g., references to other life stages) are acceptable as long as they support rather than obscure the main theme. For research-based presentations, the abstract should clearly state the study’s purpose, methods, and conclusions. For theoretical contributions, the abstract should identify the theories or concepts underlying the analysis and clearly present the main conclusions related to emerging adulthood.
The abstract should not exceed 2,000 characters, including spaces
This session welcomes contributions on financial functioning among emerging adults. It aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among researchers from various countries studying financial situations, economic well-being, financial socialization, and transitions to economic independence. Presentations should cover factors that facilitate or hinder financial stability, as well as the roles of family, education, and social policy in preparing young adults for independent financial management. The discussion should also focus on practical strategies to support the development of financial competencies.
This session welcomes contributions focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Participants should discuss how emerging adults can more effectively adopt health-promoting behaviors during this developmental stage. Topics include health-related and psychosocial determinants, motivation for engaging in healthy behaviors, and the roles of academic environments, family, and media in shaping health attitudes. The session aims to facilitate the exchange of research findings, practical experiences, and effective strategies for helping young adults develop sustainable habits that support both physical and mental well-being.
This session welcomes contributions on the complex process of identity formation and consolidation during emerging adulthood. It aims to explore what it means to seek answers to questions about who we are, where we are headed in life, and how we situate ourselves within broader sociocultural and historical contexts. Participants should examine how young adults construct personal, professional, relational, and social identities amid the dynamic realities of contemporary life. The discussion seeks to integrate theoretical and empirical perspectives to deepen our understanding of how young people develop a coherent sense of self and how this process supports their progression toward maturity.
This session welcomes contributions on research examining media engagement among emerging adults, including new forms of communication such as social media, digital platforms, and smartphones, as well as traditional media like television and print. The session aims to deepen understanding of the role of media in shaping identity, social relationships, worldviews, and psychological well-being. Researchers and practitioners from communication, psychology, sociology, education, and media studies are invited to discuss how media influence individual development, agency, self-definition, and participation in social life. The session provides a forum for sharing research findings and experiences to better understand the significance of media in the maturation of young adults in contemporary society.
This session welcomes contributions on mental health during emerging adulthood. Its goal is to deepen understanding of the factors influencing psychological well-being, adaptive processes in the face of contemporary challenges, and the mechanisms that support development during this critical stage. Researchers and practitioners from psychology, theology, education, sociology, and the medical sciences are invited to reflect on how young adults cope with stress, uncertainty, social pressures, and educational and professional demands. Discussions should address prevention, interventions that promote mental health, and the roles of family, peer, and institutional environments, as well as self-regulation strategies and adaptive skills. The session aims to provide a forum for sharing research findings, practical experiences, and interdisciplinary perspectives to enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities in supporting mental health during emerging adulthood.
This session welcomes contributions on family and parenting during emerging adulthood. Its goal is to enhance understanding of how family relationships influence young adults’ transition to independent living and the development of personal and social identity. In addition, the session should explore the implications of postponing or forgoing parenthood for development in emerging adulthood. Researchers and practitioners from psychology, theology, sociology, and education are invited to discuss family dynamics, the challenges of forming new families, and the role of parental support in fostering autonomy. The session should also address contemporary social changes, including diverse family models, shifting cultural norms, and the impact of social policy on young adults’ parenting decisions. Ultimately, the session aims to facilitate the exchange of research findings, practical experiences, and interdisciplinary perspectives to deepen understanding of the role of family and parenting in young adults’ development and maturation.
This session welcomes contributions on religion and spirituality during emerging adulthood. Its purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of how young adults seek life meaning, values, and a sense of belonging in spiritual and religious contexts. The session should address both traditional forms of religious practice and contemporary expressions of spirituality, including individual, informal, and digital forms of religiosity. Researchers and practitioners from the fields of psychology of religion, sociology, anthropology, and theology are invited to discuss how religion and spirituality influence identity development, value formation, and life decision-making among emerging adults. The session should also reflect on the diversity of spiritual experiences across cultural, social, and historical contexts and the role of religious communities in supporting individual growth and development.
This thematic session focuses on sharing research findings on intimate relationships among individuals in emerging adulthood. The aim of the session is to discuss the processes of forming, maintaining, and dissolving romantic relationships, as well as the factors that influence these dynamics. The session also explores the diversity of partnership forms, including both traditional monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. We invite researchers and practitioners from psychology, sociology, education, and theology to engage in a shared reflection on how young adults build intimate bonds, how these relationships influence personal development and social functioning, and how cultural and social contexts shape their relational experiences. We particularly encourage contributions that address how social change, digital communication, and shifting cultural norms are redefining intimacy and commitment among young adults.
This session welcomes contributions related to career decision-making during early adulthood, a period characterized by exploration, identity development, and the transition to work. It aims to provide a forum for discussing current research trends, practical experiences, and effective strategies for supporting young adults in making career choices and developing their career paths. Participants should examine the challenges faced by young people entering the workforce, including job insecurity, social pressures, and the need to balance education with early work experiences. The session should also offer an opportunity to discuss the role of mentoring, internships, soft skills, and both individual and group career counselling in fostering autonomy and enhancing career potential.
Session & Reviewers
Finance and Economic Independence
Jan Cieciuch
Health Promotion
Monika Wysota
Identity Development
Konrad Piotrowski
Media
Karolina Appelt
Mental Health
Wanda Zagórska
Parenting and Family
Lucyna Bakiera
Religion and Spirituality
Anna Wieradzka-Pilarczyk
Romantic Relationships
Dariusz Krok
Work & Career
Kamil Janowicz