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BACKGROUND

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a stressful period for most individuals, and one which coincides with a major developmental transition. Important markers of the transition to adulthood include living independently, becoming financially self-sufficient, and starting a career. 1 Given this importance for future quality of life, it is not surprising that the period of emerging adulthood is perceived as a taxing experience by most individuals and their families. 2 While there are obviously many obstacles to the successful transition, an important barrier is posed by mental health problems, since early adulthood constitutes a peak period for the first onset of a broad range of mental disorders. 3 The presence of mental disorders during early adulthood is associated with various long-term adverse outcomes, including vulnerability to additional mental health problems (particularly drug/alcohol abuse and behavioural addictions), physical health problems, and labour market marginalization. 4

Adding to the stress involved in the transition to adulthood, in recent years, is the shift that has taken place in the type of employment that now awaits many young adults. 5 Unlike employment patterns that earlier generations of Canadians typically experienced, characterized by a positive sense of job security, good social benefits, and reasonably high wages, young adults in Canada are now more likely to experience jobs with much fewer of these positive features. 6 According to Kalleberg, 5 the beginning of this shift can be traced back to the 1970s, when we began to see major technological changes in business and industry in developed …