Meg Jay Books
Meg Jay, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. She is known for her research on adult development and resilience, and is the author of the bestselling book The Defining Decade.
Known for: Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now
Books by Meg Jay
Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience
Supernormal explores the hidden world of those who grow up facing adversity—such as parental loss, abuse, or mental illness—and yet manage to thrive. Drawing on research and personal stories, clinical...
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now
A practical and insightful guide that explores why the twenties are a critical period for shaping one’s future. Drawing on psychological research and real-life stories, Meg Jay encourages young adults...
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now
Clinical psychologist Meg Jay argues that the twenties are the most transformative decade of adulthood. Drawing on scientific research and real-life stories from her practice, she explains how decisio...
Key Insights from Meg Jay
The Hidden Adversities and the Science of Survival
In my practice, I’ve listened to countless stories that begin the same way: a parent’s drinking, an unpredictable illness, a violent home, or the sudden absence of someone who was supposed to stay. These are not rare stories—they belong to millions. Yet what’s remarkable is how many of their tellers...
From Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience
Behind the Mask of Success
One of the paradoxes I explore is how success often hides struggle. The supernormal adult can appear composed and thriving, yet internally battle anxiety, guilt, or isolation. Many are driven by a relentless need to prove themselves—to show that the past did not win. Achievement becomes a survival s...
From Supernormal: The Untold Story of Adversity and Resilience
Identity Capital
In my practice, I often ask clients to think about their twenties as an investment portfolio. Every job they take, skill they learn, and relationship they nurture contributes to what I call identity capital — the collection of personal assets that build our sense of who we are and what we can do. Id...
From The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now
Weak Ties
Most of us grew up believing that opportunities come from the people closest to us — our friends, family, and trusted circle. But in reality, one of the most powerful forces shaping our lives is what sociologists call weak ties. These are the acquaintances on the edges of our networks, the people wh...
From The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now
Identity Capital
Early in life, we accumulate something far more valuable than money or possessions—identity capital. These are the assets that tell the world who we are and what we’re capable of: our skills, experiences, and confidence earned through action. A degree, a meaningful job, a creative project, or a conv...
From The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now
Work and Career Foundations
Work in your twenties is not about instant success—it’s about establishing the scaffolding on which success will grow. I often remind clients that career development is cumulative, not accidental. The positions you accept, the mentors you seek, and even the workplace cultures you experience teach yo...
From The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now
About Meg Jay
Meg Jay, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. She is known for her research on adult development and resilience, and is the author of the bestselling book The Defining Decade. Her work has been featured in major media outlets and her TED Talk has bee...
Read more
Meg Jay, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. She is known for her research on adult development and resilience, and is the author of the bestselling book The Defining Decade. Her work has been featured in major media outlets and her TED Talk has bee...
Meg Jay, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. She is known for her research on adult development and resilience, and is the author of the bestselling book The Defining Decade. Her work has been featured in major media outlets and her TED Talk has been widely viewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Meg Jay, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Virginia. She is known for her research on adult development and resilience, and is the author of the bestselling book The Defining Decade.
Read Meg Jay's books in 15 minutes
Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 3 books by Meg Jay.