Premature behavioral autonomy. Correlates in late adolescence and young adulthood

Abstract

Investigated correlates of premature curfew authority in late adolescence and early adulthood. A sample of 982 late adolescents aged 16 to 21 years (assessment in 1996) and 397 early adults aged 25 to 30 years (assessment in 2005) were questioned regarding the age at which they first decided for themselves when they could go out and come home, sociodemographic information, correlates reflecting developmental challenges, identity status, and subjective well-being. 16 years was selected as a cut-off for premature curfew authority. Results revealed an association between premature curfew authority and developmental risks in both late adolescence and young adulthood. Adolescents with premature curfew authority specifically showed greater deviant behavior, lower disclosure, higher identity diffusion, and lower planfulness and young adults with premature curfew authority reported considerably higher demands with respect to social change. In both groups, premature curfew authority was associ