From vulnerability to growth: strengthening intrapersonal capacity to overcome the quarter life crisis

Abstract

This study examines the Quarter-Life Crisis (QLC) as a psychological phenomenon experienced during the transition to early adulthood, highlighting the significance of intrapersonal capacity as a key factor in transforming vulnerability into growth. Employing a literature review method, the research analyzes recent studies on internal factors such as self-regulation, self-reflection, inner dialogue, and meaningful goal-setting. The findings indicate that intrapersonal capacity functions both as a mediator and a moderator, enabling individuals not only to reduce the negative effects of QLC but also to build psychological resilience and a clearer sense of life direction. This study expands the theoretical perspective of QLC by positioning intrapersonal capacity as a central mechanism, while also offering practical implications for counseling, education, and self-development interventions for young adults.

Keywords
  • Quarter-Life Crisis
  • Intrapersonal Capacity
  • Psychological Resilience
  • Self-Regulation
  • Self-Reflection
References
  1. Adler, J. M., Lodi-Smith, J., Philippe, F. L., & Houle, I. (2016). The incremental validity of narrative identity in predicting well-being: A review of the field and recommendations for the future. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 20(2), 142–175.
  2. Afandi, M., Afandi, N. H., Afandi, S. A., & Erdayani, R. (2023). Measuring the Difficulties of Early Adulthood: The Development of the Quarter Life Crisis Scale. Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan Dan Konseling, 8(3), 167–176.
  3. Agustiarini, R. (2023). Quarter life crisis: Exploring the challenges and coping strategies of young adults in their twenties. Jurnal Ilmiah Indonesia,(8), 10.
  4. Albien, A. J., & Naidoo, A. V. (2017). Deconstructing career myths and cultural stereotypes in a context of low resourced township communities. South African Journal of Education, 37(4).
  5. Azza, D. F., Mahkota, M. K. C., Permana, G. B., Sugiarti, L. R., & Suhariadi, F. (2025). Exploring the Quarter Life Crisis: Management Dimensions and Factors Influencing Early Adulthood Transitions Across Cultures and Educational Backgrounds. Journal of Educational Management Research, 4(3), 454–462.
  6. Beta, A. R., Syobah, S. N., Tahir, M., & Inayah, S. S. (2023). The influence of intrapersonal communication and social support on quarter-life crisis. The 1st International Conference on Science and Islamic Studies (ICOSIS-2023).
  7. Cotterell, J. (2013). Social networks in youth and adolescence. Routledge.
  8. Dias, P. C., & Cadime, I. (2017). Protective factors and resilience in adolescents: The mediating role of self-regulation. Psicologia Educativa, 23(1), 37–43.
  9. Fettiani, N., Siregar, A., Anisa, N. T., & Rahma, H. (2024). The Influence of Solution-Focused Therapy on Quarter-Life Crisis in Early Adult Women. Journal of Psychology and Social Sciences, 2(2), 49–56.
  10. Hasyim, F. F., Setyowibowo, H., & Purba, F. D. (2024). Factors contributing to quarter life crisis on early adulthood: a systematic literature review. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 1–12.
  11. Herawati, I., & Hidayat, A. (2020). Quarterlife crisis pada masa dewasa awal di Pekanbaru. Journal An-Nafs: Kajian Penelitian Psikologi, 5(2), 145–156.
  12. Herdian, H., & Wijaya, D. A. P. (2023). “I am mentally healthy, so i can choose well.” quarter-life crisis and positive mental health in students. Dalat University Journal of Science, 51–58.
  13. Itsnaini, N. R., & Riyono, B. (2024). The role of personality orientation in predicting quarter life crisis in emerging adulthood: An anchor personality approach. Humanitas: Indonesian Psychological Journal, 13–25.
  14. Kurniawati, A. P., Ningrum, F. Y., Maulida, M. R., Putri, N. R., Rahmadhani, R. T., & Aulia, S. N. (2024). Quarter-Life Crisis: Dealing with a Reality that Doesn’t Align with Expectations and Aspirations. Inovasi Lokal, 2(1), 36–42.
  15. Nasir, M., Wajdi, M., Abidin, A., & Hasan, E. (2024). The Existence of the Quarter Life Crisis Phenomenon in Young Adults on Post-Covid-19 Mental Health in Parepare City Communities. Bioscientist: Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi, 12(1), 1489–1502.
  16. Praptiningsih, N. A., Mil, S., Mulyono, H., Villarama, J. A., Tulo, N. B., & Olarte, N. S. (2025). Quarter life crisis in the communication process on early adulthood. Jurnal ASPIKOM, 10(1), 111–126.
  17. Praskova, A., Creed, P. A., & Hood, M. (2015). Career identity and the complex mediating relationships between career preparatory actions and career progress markers. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 87, 145–153.
  18. Primasari, I., Hoeboer, C. M., Bakker, A., & Olff, M. (2022). Validation of the Indonesian resilience evaluation scale in an undergraduate student population. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 2410.
  19. Qonitah, R., Ramadhani, A., Rahayu, D., & Rahman, N. N. (2025). Early Adult Happiness During the Quarter-Life Crisis Period in Terms of Self-Esteem. Psyche 165 Journal, 198–205.
  20. Ridley, D. (2012). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students.
  21. Robinson, O. (2015). Quarterlife Crisis: An overview of theory and research.
  22. Schippers, M. C., & Ziegler, N. (2019). Life crafting as a way to find purpose and meaning in life. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2778.
  23. Shek, D. T. L., & Lin, L. (2015). Intrapersonal competencies and service leadership. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 14(3), 255–263.
  24. Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.
  25. Suprayogi, M. N., & Santoso, W. B. (2024). Role of Emotional Maturity and Social Support in Predicting Quarter-Life Crisis in Emerging Adulthood Using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. Engineering Proceedings, 74(1), 65.
  26. Tedeschi, R. G., Shakespeare-Finch, J., & Taku, K. (2018). Posttraumatic growth: Theory, research, and applications. Routledge.
  27. Vincent, I. J., Law, M.-Y., Chew, Z. L.-K., & Lai, C.-S. (2024). Self-regulation and resilience: the role on active Procrastination of young adults. Int J Public Health, 13(4), 1538–1547.
  28. Zed, M. (2018). Metode penelitian kepustakaan. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia.
  29. Zimmermann, P., & Iwanski, A. (2014). Emotion regulation from early adolescence to emerging adulthood and middle adulthood: Age differences, gender differences, and emotion-specific developmental variations. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 38(2), 182–194.