In 500 words or more using at least 3 references below:

Define emerging adulthood and provide a brief overview of its significance to lifespan development. Include the age range and the factors that contribute to its emergence.

Discuss the cognitive, emotional, and social characteristics that distinguish emerging adulthood from adolescence and adulthood. 

Analyze the implications of these characteristics on individual’s identity formation and decision-making processes.

References:

 Baltes, P. B., & Staudinger, U. M. (2000). Wisdom: A metaheuristic (pragmatic) to orchestrate mind and virtue toward excellence. American Psychologist, 55 (1), 122–136.

Belenky, M. F., Bond, L. A., & Weinstock, J. S. (1997). A tradition that has no name: Nurturing the development of people, families, and communities. New York: Basic Books, Inc.

 Dacey, J. S., Travers, J. F. & Fiore, L. (2008). Human development across the lifespan. McGraw Hill Publishing. 

 Levinson, D. (1990b). A theory of life structure development in adulthood. In C. N. Alexander & E. J. Langer (Eds.), Higher states of human development. New York: Oxford University Press, 35–54. 

 Perry, W. (1981). Cognitive and ethical growth. In A. Chickering (Ed.), The modern American college. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.