Perceptions of adulthood in context: voices of young people with care experience in China

Abstract This study explores how young people with care experience in China perceive and construct their identities as adults, focusing on the interplay between socially defined and self-perceived markers of adulthood. This study employs qualitative design, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 34 participants and analyzed using thematic analysis. Despite being over the age of 18, many participants expressed uncertainty about their adult status, reflecting a disconnection between societal expectations and their lived experiences. Independence emerged as a central self-defined marker of adulthood, emphasizing self-reliance, financial autonomy, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges. Mental maturity, defined as the adherence to societal norms and responsibilities, was also identified as crucial to adult identity. These findings challenge conventional narratives that equate adulthood with specific life milestones, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and flexible understanding of adulthood. The study’s implications suggest that tailored support systems focusing on life skills development and mental maturity could empower care-experienced youth as they transition into adulthood. Future research should explore these themes further across different regions and populations in China to enhance the findings’ representativeness.