Authors

  1. Hanna, Kathleen M. PhD, RN
  2. Kaiser, Katherine Laux PhD, RN
  3. Brown, Sara G. EdD, RN
  4. Campbell-Grossman, Christie PhD, RN
  5. Fial, Alissa MA, MLIS
  6. Ford, Amy DNP, ARPN-NP, WHNP-BCS
  7. Hudson, Diane B. PhD, RN
  8. Keating-Lefler, Rebecca PhD, RN
  9. Keeler, Heidi PhD, RN
  10. Moore, Tiffany A. PhD, RN
  11. Nelson, Audrey E. PhD, RN
  12. Pelish, Peggy PhD, ARNP-NP
  13. Wilhelm, Susan PhD, RNC

Abstract

This scoping review examined research on transitions among emerging adults, 18- to 30-year-olds, to identify designs, populations, frameworks, transition types, and transition outcomes. A librarian conducted the search, yielding 2067 articles. Using predefined criteria, teams screened abstracts and reviewed articles, with 82% to 100% interrater agreement. Data from the final 160 articles were placed in evidence tables and summarized. Most frequently, the studies had exploratory-descriptive designs (69%), nondiagnosed samples (58%), no theoretical frameworks (58%), developmental transitions (34%), and health-related behavior outcomes (34%). This transition research is in an early stage of knowledge development and would benefit from further theory development.