Exploring Quarter-Life Crisis Among Working Professionals and College Students Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

The majority of people experience a quarter life crisis between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five, which is characterised by hardship, emotional turmoil, and uncertainty. The list of traits includes doubt about one's identity, discontent with relationships and the working environment , and insecurity over the present, the near future, and long-term objectives. Depression and other mental diseases might be contributing factors to the crisis (Blake, 2008; Robbins & Wilner, 2001; Olsen-Madden, 2007). The purpose of this research is to look at how the quarter-life crisis affected those who were in the working or attending college. This study adopts a mixed group design approach to comprehensively investigate the multifaceted nature of quarter-life crisis experiences. A sample comprised of working and college-going people aged 18-25. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, a diverse sample of individuals in their twenties is recruited to explore the impact, characteristics, protective and risk factors associated with quarter-life crisis. Quantitative measures assess disconnection and distress, lack of clarity and control and transition and turning point while qualitative interviews delve into participants' personal narratives, allowing for a deeper understanding of their experiences. After then, the data was gathered, processed, and statistical analysis was carried out using Jasp. A significant relationship was discovered between the population that attends college and those that are employed.