title: Does a quarterlife crisis exist?
abstract: In this study, the authors examined quarterlife crisis, defined in the popular press as an identity crisis that leaves recent college graduates depressed, anxious, and full of doubt. To determine if a unique crisis exists, 4 groups of young adults (recent high school [n = 23] and college [n = 117] graduates in the workforce, present undergraduate [n = 75], and graduate [n = 57] students) completed self-report measures assessing identity development, future time perspective, social support, coping, depression, anxiety, and job and life satisfaction. No support was found for a quarterlife crisis among these 4 groups. Working high school graduates displayed the highest anxiety, followed by present undergraduates. Depression was predicted by family support and identity commitment. Job satisfaction was associated with income and support from friends. Life satisfaction was associated with income, social support from friends and family, and identity commitment.
authors.affiliation: Augusta State University, Department of Psychology, 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904, USA. nrossi@aug.edu
authors.forename: Nicole E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Carolyn J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Mebert
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001240:Aspirations, Psychological; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D035501:Uncertainty; D055815:Young Adult