Abstract
Abstract
This exploratory pilot study examined adjustment experiences among Indian and Maldivian college students during emerging adulthood. Using a qualitative design, data were collected from 50 undergraduate students (25 from India and 25 from the Maldives), through a structured open-ended questionnaire covering academic, career, financial, social, health, and psychological domains. Data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, with keyword frequency patterns used as a supplementary descriptive tool. Findings indicated shared domains of academic pressure, career uncertainty, relational support, and coping strategies across both contexts. While thematic domains were broadly similar, differences in narrative emphasis were observed in how participants described coping, structure, and goal orientation. These findings align with emerging adulthood as a period of instability, identity exploration, and negotiation of autonomy within sociocultural contexts. Given the pilot design and limited sample size, findings are exploratory and not intended for generalization. The study provides preliminary cross-cultural insight and highlights directions for future qualitative and mixed-method research.