The Examination of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Perceived Adulthood in Emerging Adults

Emerging adults differ in terms of the extent to which they perceive themselves as adults. We examined how the ability to perform activities related to independent living (i.e., instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]) was associated with perceived adulthood. Data were collected from 236 emerging adults in college. Results suggested that IADL scores were positively related to perceived adulthood and achieved criteria of adulthood even after controlling for race, year in school, age, and sex. Results are discussed in terms of the development and importance of IADLs during emerging adulthood.