Rehberlik ve Psikolojik Danışmanlık Yüksek Lisans Programı Öğrencilerinin Çeyrek Yaşam Krizi Deneyimleri

Abstract

This study intended to assume a holistic and comprehensive approach in describing the quarter-life crisis experienced by Guidance and Psychological Counseling graduate students during the transition to adulthood. The data were collected via a semi-structured interview form with 12 students who reside in Turkey and whose age ranged between 23 and 28. Interviews were held via online interview platforms. The snowball sampling method was used in this study. The qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach. The data were analyzed using the descriptive analysis, one of the content analysis methods. The analyses resulted in 2 themes (quarter-life crisis and findings that don't fit the holistic framework), 5 sub-themes (locked-in crisis, locked-out crisis, the place of the master’s degree in the quarter-life crisis, facing with the limited opportunities, unusual developments) and 5 categories [locked-in phase, separation phase, time out phase, exploration phase, rebuilding phase]. The study concluded that students seem to experience quarter-life crisis in different ways and levels after their graduation. It was observed that the job satisfaction of the participants varied according to the profession they practiced. Continuing their education had a positive effect for the graduates who are considering an academic career or working as a research assistant. However, the program itself might be a trigger to crisis symptoms for the participants who work in areas outside of academia. Findings showed that emerging adults living in Turkey have some experiences that do not comply with Robinson’s holistic model. The findings and limitations were discussed, and recommendations were presented.