CRITERIA FOR THE TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD, DEVELOPMENTAL FEATURES AND PERCEIVED ADULT STATUS AMONG BULGARIAN STUDENTS

The study focuses on emerging adulthood and the transition to adulthood in Bulgaria, a topic that is rarely studied in the country. The participants were 233 students aged 18-30. Indicators such as criteria for the transition to adulthood, developmental features, and perceived adult status are examined. The results confirm the presence of a specificity that highlights a period of emerging adulthood in Bulgaria. More than two-thirds of the sample is perceived as emerging adults. The most preferred criteria for the transition to adulthood is Starting a family, and the least preferred Chronological age. Identity and Opportunities / Experimentation are the most valued as dimensions of maturity during the emerging adulthood period. Similarities with data from other studies within EU countries have been identified and discussed.