SSEA 2027 Conference
Conference Theme
Grounded in Research, Guided by Practice:
Advancing Understanding of Emerging Adulthood
Two and a half decades of research have established emerging adulthood as a vital and influential field of study, shaping how we understand and support young people during this developmental period. The SSEA 2027 conference invites scholars and practitioners to extend this legacy by contributing work that bridges empirical insight and real-world application.
We welcome submissions that demonstrate how research can inform and transform practice, and how practice can deepen, challenge, and refine theoretical understanding. By fostering this reciprocal exchange, the conference aims to advance a field that is both scientifically rigorous and meaningfully connected to the lived experiences of emerging adults.
Submissions that engage the conference theme are especially encouraged. However, all proposals that advance understanding of emerging adulthood will be given full consideration.
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to emerging adulthood
- Contribution to the field
- Methodological rigor and appropriateness
- Attention to context, lived experience, cultural variation, and diverse populations
- Alignment with the conference theme, where applicable
Submission Guidelines
- There is a limit of two submissions per first author.
- Submissions must adhere to the word limits and required structure specified for each format.
- Figures, tables, charts, or graphs may be included as indicated; reference lists are not required.
Timeline
- Submissions Open: September 1, 2026
- Submission Deadline: November 9, 2026 pm EST
- Notification of Decisions: December 21, 2026
For inquiries, please contact: coordinator@ssea.org
Expedited Review
International presenters whose travel arrangements depend on early decisions may request expedited review.
- Expedited submissions must be received by October 12, 2026
- A brief explanation for the request must be included with submission.
- Notifications for expedited review will be issued by November 2, 2026
Submission Formats
Submissions that engage the conference theme are especially encouraged, particularly those that build meaningful connections between research, practice, policy, and lived experience. All submissions relevant to emerging adulthood will be considered.
Individual Poster Sessions
Poster sessions provide an opportunity to share empirical findings, theoretical work, and applied perspectives, and to engage in discussion with conference attendees.
Submission requirements (maximum 300 words):
- Title
- Introduction to the research question(s) or topic
- Description of method, approach, or framework
- Results, key insights, or main points
- Brief discussion and/or implications
Up to two figures, tables, charts, or graphs may be included, reference list is not required.
Individual Paper Presentations
Individual paper presentations are intended for empirical, theoretical, or practice-informed contributions that advance understanding of emerging adulthood.
Standalone papers will be organized into thematic sessions by the conference organizing committee.
Submission requirements (max 500 words):
- Title
- Introduction to the research question(s) or topic
- Description of methods, approach, or framework
- Results, key insights, or main arguments
- Brief discussion and/or implications
Up to two figures, tables, charts, or graphs may be included, reference list is not required.
Authors may opt to have their submission considered for a poster presentation if not selected as an individual paper.
Paper Symposia
Paper symposia bring together a set of presentations focused on a shared theme.
A symposium may include:
- Three papers and a discussant, or
- Four papers without a discussant
A chair is required to coordinate the session and facilitate discussion. Symposia are 90 minutes in length.
Submission requirements:
(1) An integrative statement (max 500 words) prepared by the chair, including:
- Symposium title
- Rationale for grouping the papers
- Overview of shared themes and contributions
(2) Individual abstracts for each paper (max 500 words each), including:
- Title
- Introduction to the research question(s) or topic
- Description of methods, approach, or framework
- Results, key insights, or main arguments
- Brief discussion and/or implications
Roundtable Discussion Sessions
Roundtables are interactive sessions designed for dialogue rather than formal presentations. Sessions may focus on theory, method, practice, policy, training, or collaboration in the field of emerging adulthood.
- Maximum of three panelists and one moderator
- 60 minutes for panel discussion, 30 minutes for audience engagement
Submission requirements (max 500 words):
- Description of the topic and rationale
- At least three discussion questions
- Brief description of participants’ expertise
PowerPoint presentations are discouraged to promote dialogue.
Innovative Sessions
Innovative sessions are designed to foster engagement, collaboration, and creative exchange across research and practice.
Examples include:
- Structured debates (e.g., fishbowl format)
- Networking or community-building sessions
- Interactive workshops or alternative formats
Sessions are 60-90 minutes in length.
Submission requirements (max 500 words):
- Identification of session leaders and roles
- Description of session goals
- Description of focus (e.g., theory, methods, practice, community partnerships, mentorship, professional development)
- Intended audience
- Space, time, and equipment requirements
Presidential Symposium
In her presidential address in 2025, current SSEA President, Dr. Carolyn Barry, discussed the new normal of emerging adulthood in a post-pandemic world. She reviewed the literature on how COVID has affected the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of emerging adults as well as provided recommendations for practitioners, faculty, and college administrators on how to support emerging adults with this new normal. The 2027 Presidential Symposium will feature work that highlights new scholarly works on the role of COVID-19 on emerging adults’ development now two years later. Submissions can include studies that track emerging adult outcomes since the pandemic or that examine the lingering effects of COVID with concurrent samples. Moreover, she welcomes submissions that take what has been previously learned about the effects of COVID and in turn created interventions or developed applications of such research. All research methods from quantitative to qualitative or mixed-methods approaches are accepted. To submit a paper for consideration in the symposium, please submit an individual paper submission and indicate your interest in participating in the Presidential Symposium within the submission portal. Submissions not selected for participation in the Presidential Symposium will be considered for individual paper presentations.
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