Which of the following reflects a key finding of research on the mortality rates of emerging adults?

• A. Mortality rates among emerging adults are higher than those of adolescents due to increased risk-taking behaviors.
• B. Emerging adults experience lower mortality rates than older adults because they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
• C. Emerging adults have the lowest mortality rates compared to all other age groups.
• D. Mortality rates among emerging adults are primarily due to chronic illnesses.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of 'emerging adulthood,' which typically refers to the age range from about 18 to 25 years, a developmental period characterized by exploration and increased independence.
2. Recognize that mortality rates refer to the frequency of death in a particular population during a specific time period, often expressed per 1,000 or 100,000 individuals.
3. Consider the behavioral and environmental factors that influence mortality rates in emerging adults, such as risk-taking behaviors (e.g., reckless driving, substance use) that tend to increase during this period.
4. Compare mortality rates of emerging adults with those of adolescents and older adults, noting that emerging adults often have higher mortality rates than adolescents due to increased risk-taking, but lower rates than older adults who face more chronic health issues.
5. Conclude that the key research finding is that mortality rates among emerging adults are higher than those of adolescents primarily because of increased engagement in risky behaviors, rather than chronic illnesses or having the lowest mortality rates overall.