The Role of Self-Acceptance in Early Adulthood During Life Transitions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Self-acceptance is an important psychological aspect that supports mental health and psychological well-being, particularly during early adulthood, a period marked by various life transitions. During this phase, individuals face developmental demands such as identity exploration, the transition from education to the workforce, and the formation of interpersonal relationships, which often trigger stress and uncertainty. This study aims to examine the role of self-acceptance in early adulthood during life transitions using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. Literature searches were conducted across several academic databases, covering publications from 2018 to 2025, and article selection followed the PRISMA guidelines. fourteen empirical studies were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings indicate that self-acceptance is positively associated with psychological well-being, emotion regulation, resilience, life satisfaction, and meaning in life, and serves as a protective factor against stress and anxiety during transitional periods.