The two life domains, love and work

The two life domains, love and work, are seen as fundamental
to the formation of identity in emerging adulthood
(Arnett & Tanner, 2006; Erikson, 1968; Schwartz, Coˆte´, &
Arnett, 2005). Hence, both domains are central domains in
which emerging adults formulate, adopt, and clarify their
life projects and goals (Salmela-Aro, Aunola, & Nurmi,
2007; Schulenberg, Bryant, & O’Mally, 2004). The classic
Eriksonian conceptualizations of young adulthood suggested
a developmental path that involves exploration and then
commitment to a certain identity, including sexual identity
in the realm of love and professional identity in the realm
of work (Arnett, 2000). Current research demonstrates that
in the postmodern era, this process is more variable than
in previous generations, especially in Western industrialized
countries, and does not always end with a commitment to a
certain stable and clear identity (Arnett, 2007; Bauman,
1995; Gergen, 1991). Hence, the role of love and work for
the current generation of emerging adults in such countries
is less clear. We suggest an additional perspective. Specifically,
in light of postmodern psychological and sociocultural
changes, a key aspect in the developmental processes relevant
to these emerging adults is search for meaning in their
lives, as they explore various possible paths in love and
work. We see the search for meaning in life as a salient
developmental task for emerging adults, to be undertaken
in several domains including love and work. Developmental