Grounded in Connection:

Navigating Anxiety and Building Community in Emerging Adulthood

Grounded in Connection is a research-based yet highly accessible guide designed to help emerging adults (ages 18–29) navigate anxiety, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging. Blending psychological theory with real-world applications, this book offers practical tools for managing anxiety, fostering resilience, and engaging in intentional community-building.

With anxiety, social isolation, and relational challenges on the rise, Grounded in Connection provides strategies that move beyond individual mental health approaches to emphasize the role of connection in emotional well-being. Through engaging case studies, interactive exercises, and reflection prompts, readers will explore identity formation, social anxiety, and the impact of digital communication on relationships.

Whether used in a psychology course, a counseling setting, or as an independent resource, this book equips young adults with actionable skills to strengthen their social networks and develop a sense of purpose within their communities.

Key Topics Included

  • The science of belonging and the effects of loneliness

  • How emerging adults navigate identity, anxiety, and transitions

  • The impact of digital communication on mental health

  • Strategies for building supportive relationships and communities

  • Practical exercises to cultivate resilience and deepen connection

Who This Book is For?

  • College students and young professionals navigating life transitions

  • Educators and mental health practitioners working with emerging adults

  • Readers seeking actionable strategies for managing anxiety and strengthening relationships

  • Format: Available in print and digital editions

Publication Details

Publisher: Cognella Academic Publishing

Anticipated Release Date: August 2026

Format: Available in print and digital editions

About the Author

Carol DiFalco, Ph.D., LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Assistant Professor of Psychology specializing in critical consciousness development, community engagement, and emerging adulthood. Her research explores the intersection of anxiety, identity, and social connection, providing both theoretical insights and practical applications for fostering resilience and well-being.