Call for Papers: Emerging Adulthood Special Issue on The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Posted on behalf of the journal, Emerging Adulthood
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Special Issue Call for Papers:
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of Emerging Adults

We are in the midst of an unprecedented historical event, the COVID-19 global pandemic, which will have immediate and long-lasting impacts on emerging adults throughout the world. Many emerging adults were in the process of transitioning to financial independence when the pandemic began and now are furloughed or unemployed. Others attending college found their life suddenly disrupted by the pandemic, forcing them to leave their university and quickly transition to online learning, while most of the positive aspects associated with attending college were abruptly put on hold (especially those relating to  leisure time and independence). As a result of these economic and educational disruptions, many young people have been forced to move back home with their parents. The emotional toll from the stress and isolation associated with the pandemic also undoubtedly has influenced the behavioral health of emerging adults, especially those at risk for psychological disorders and/or substance use. Notably, the pandemic has changed emerging adults’ interpersonal relationships as well, as “sheltering in place” and “social distancing” have required that they substantially change the amount of time they spend with family members, romantic partners, and peers.

Given the considerable toll that the pandemic has had on emerging adults, Emerging Adulthood is devoting a Special Issue focusing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of emerging adults. Manuscripts may address a wide variety of outcomes (e.g., psychological, interpersonal, financial). Although many of these outcomes understandably will be negative, positive outcomes should be considered as well. Negative events, even pandemics, may give rise to resilience and positive growth and development. All manuscripts must focus on the emerging adult developmental period (ages 18-29), and adopt a developmental perspective. Studies may use quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches.

Manuscripts should be submitted online at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/ead as either an empirical article (40 page limit) or a brief report (15 page limit), and should be prepared according to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition. In the cover letter, make sure to state that the manuscript is being submitted for the COVID-19 Special Issue, and in the submission portal, select the COVID-19 Special Issue option.

For additional information, refer to the journal’s submission guidelines at https://journals.sagepub.com/author-instructions/EAX or contact Christine McCauley Ohannessian at christine.ohannessian@gmail.com.

The submission deadline is December 15, 2020 (although earlier submission is encouraged).