Vol. 2, Issue 8, Part A (2016)

Abstract
From futuristic perspective, emerging adulthood is a crucial phase of life. Due to lack of clarity among the scholars about nature, characteristics and changes taking place during 18-26 years of age group, people of these age groups are neglected and considered as an extension of adolescence till the beginning of the 21^th century. Socio-economic changes and new trends and developments in education, work and family system made this group unique with its identity. India is a country with half of the population below the age of 25 and has world’s largest youth population. The broad objective of this secondary data based article was to through light on the nature of risk behaviour of emerging adults, potential causal factors and consequences. Evidence demonstrates that Indian emerging adults were involved in a range of risk behaviour like malnutrition, obesity, addiction and alcoholism, unprotected sexual behaviour, dependence on internet, mobile phones and road accidents. Psychological distress experienced by the emerging adults includes stress, depression, anxiety, hypertension, suicidal ideation and attempt. Causal factors behind risk behaviour were heredity and environmental especially family, living and institutional environment, socio-economic background and peer group influence. Risk behaviour of emerging adults and consequent psychological distress lead them in serious problems which affects their career growth, and development, health and relationship.