Award Date

12-15-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Committee Member

Jennifer Rennels

Second Committee Member

Gloria Wong-Padoongpatt

Third Committee Member

Rachael Robnett

Fourth Committee Member

Jason Flatt

Number of Pages

50

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period marked by identity exploration, increased autonomy, and heightened vulnerability to societal pressures. This mixed methods study examined how hypervigilance: a heightened state of alertness often associated with trauma and minority stress- varies by gender, sexual identity, racial trauma exposure, and adulthood milestone achievement among emerging adults aged 18–29. A total of 369 participants completed measures assessing hypervigilance behaviors, adulthood milestone attainment, and trauma exposure. Quantitative analyses revealed that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals and cisgender women reported significantly higher levels of hypervigilance compared to their counterparts. Witnessing trauma inflicted on someone of the same race was also associated with elevated hypervigilance. However, there was no significant relationship between hypervigilance and milestone achievement. Thematic analysis of open-ended trauma responses revealed three distinct styles of trauma articulation: narrative, emotional, and reflective accounts. These findings highlight how vicarious trauma and minority stress shape vigilance behaviors, independent of traditional adulthood transitions. Results underscore the importance of identity-informed trauma interventions and the need for inclusive mental health strategies that account for diverse lived experiences in emerging adulthood.

Keywords

adulthood milestones; emerging adulthood; hypervigilance; intersectionality; minority stress; trauma

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Psychology

File Format

PDF

File Size

809 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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