Exploring the Quarter Life Crisis: Management Dimensions and Factors Influencing Early Adulthood Transitions Across Cultures and Educational Backgrounds

Dhita Fadhillah Azza; Muhammad Krisnanda Candra Mahkota; Gilar Bagus Permana; Lucia Rini Sugiarti; Fendy Suhariadi

doi:10.61987/jemr.v4i2.957

Authors

Dhita Fadhillah Azza Universitas Semarang
Muhammad Krisnanda Candra Mahkota
Gilar Bagus Permana
Lucia Rini Sugiarti
Fendy Suhariadi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61987/jemr.v4i2.957

Keywords:

Quarter-Life Crisis, Adulthood Transition, Anxiety, Family Support, Life Skills

Abstract

This study aims to identify the factors that influence the quarter-life crisis in early adulthood. A qualitative method was employed to reveal and understand this phenomenon within its unique context as experienced by individuals. Data were collected through observation and interviews and were analyzed using coding techniques. The findings indicate that anxiety about the future, pressure from family, fear of disappointing parents, and low self-confidence are key factors. Individuals also tend to compare themselves with others, particularly those deemed more successful. Various emotional responses, including frustration, hopelessness, and disappointment, were identified. The study also highlights the role of religious beliefs in coping with the crisis, although not all participants found this approach effective. Support from family and close friends is considered essential in overcoming the crisis, along with accepting one’s life process and engaging in self-exploration. Educational institutions can support early adults by offering mentorship, career guidance, and stress management programs, helping students navigate the quarter-life crisis and transition smoothly into adulthood while promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

References

Agbaria, Q., & Mokh, A. A. (2023). Coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak: the contribution of self-control skills and religiosity in Arab Israeli-Palestinian students in Israel. Journal of religion and health, 62(1), 720-738. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01686-3

Agustiarini, R. (2023). Quarter Life Crisis: Exploring the Challenges and Coping Strategies of Young Adults in Their Twenties. Syntax Literate; Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia, 8(10), 5632-5638. https://doi.org/10.36418/syntax-literate.v8i10.13721

Alhazmi, A. A., & Kaufmann, A. (2022). Phenomenological qualitative methods applied to the analysis of cross-cultural experience in novel educational social contexts. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.785134

Charoensukmongkol, P., & Phungsoonthorn, T. (2022). The interaction effect of crisis communication and social support on the emotional exhaustion of university employees during the COVID-19 crisis. International Journal of Business Communication, 59(2), 269-286. https://doi.org/10.1177/2329488420953188

Hadiloo, N., & Heydari, M. (2023). Empowering and Supporting the Families of Exceptional Children and its Positive Impact on Improving. Eur. J. Med. Health Sci, 175-185. https://doi.org/10.34104/ejmhs.023.01750185

Hafnidar, H. (2024). Navigating The Quarter-Life Crisis: A Comprehensive Literature Review Of Challenges And Coping Strategies. In International Joint Conference/Seminar (Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 55-60).

Hasyim, F. F., & Purba, F. D. (2024). Factors contributing to quarter life crisis on early adulthood: A systematic literature review. Psychology research and behavior management, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S438866

Jiayao, C. (2022). Evaluation of Causes and Impacts of Emotional Pressure Among Teenagers. In 2021 International Conference on Social Development and Media Communication (SDMC 2021) (pp. 1440-1445). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.220105.265

Ji-hoon, K. (2024). Stress and coping mechanisms in South Korean high school students: academic pressure, social expectations, and mental health support. Journal of Research in Social Science and Humanities, 3(5), 45-54. https://doi.org/10.56397/JRSSH.2024.05.09

Lewin, A. C., Shamai, M., & Novikov, S. (2023). Surviving in crisis mode: the effect of material hardship and social support on emotional wellbeing among people in poverty during COVID-19. Social Indicators Research, 165(1), 245-265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-022-03011-7

Mehta, C. M., & LaRiviere, K. (2023). “You have those adult responsibilities, but you’re still getting your feet on the ground”: The lived experience of established adulthood. Journal of Adult Development, 30(1), 36-52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-022-09410-x

Napoli, I., & Esposito, C. (2023). Psychological and overall well‐being of Italian young adults in transition to adulthood: Evidence from a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods study. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 33(1), 152-173. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.2647

Permatasari, I. (2021). The relationship of emotional maturity with quarter life crisis in early adults (Doctoral dissertation, University of Muhammadiyah Malang).

Putri, A. L. K., Lestari, S., & Khisbiyah, Y. (2022). A quarter-life crisis in early adulthood in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Indigenous: Scientific Journal of Psychology, 7(1), 28-47. https://doi.org/10.23917/indigenous.v7i1.15543

Ragati, H. M. (2021). Spirituality among millennials in facing quarter life crisis (Thesis). Yogyakarta: Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta.

Raginie, D., Siobhan, H. J., & Anna, M. (2021). Forced adulthood: An aspect of 'quarter life crisis' suffered by young English and Assamese adults. University of Leeds. https://doi.org/10.7146/qs.v6i1.124407

Randall, A. K., Donato, S., Neff, L. A., Totenhagen, C. J., Bodenmann, G., & Falconier, M. (2023). A scoping review on couples’ stress and coping literature: Recognizing the need for inclusivity. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 40(3), 812-855. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221101904

Ratnasari, D., Grafiyana, G. A., & Wahidah, F. R. N. (2023). Coping with quarter-life crisis: An analysis of the role of social support and coping stress on senior university students. INSPIRA: Indonesian Journal of Psychological Research, 4(2), 143-149. https://doi.org/10.32505/inspira.v4i2.6977

Reifman, A., & Niehuis, S. (2023). Extending the five psychological features of emerging adulthood into established adulthood. Journal of Adult Development, 30(1), 6-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-022-09412-9

Sulimani‐Aidan, Y. (2022). Periods of uncertainty: The experience of at‐risk young adult Arabs during the transition to adulthood in the wake of COVID‐19. Child & Family Social Work, 27(4), 805-814. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12927

Thouin, É., Dupéré, V., & Denault, A. S. (2023). Paid employment in adolescence and rapid integration into a career-related job in early adulthood among vulnerable youth: The identity connection. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 142, 103864. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2023.103864

Waters, L., Cameron, K., Nelson-Coffey, S. K., Crone, D. L., Kern, M. L., Lomas, T., ... & Williams, P. (2022). Collective wellbeing and posttraumatic growth during COVID-19: How positive psychology can help families, schools, workplaces and marginalized communities. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(6), 761-789. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1940251