Joshita Singh

Amity University, India

Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis: Examining the Role of Spiritual Well-Being, Identity Exploration, and Self-Efficacy among Young Adults

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Biography

Joshita Singh is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Noida. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with distinction, earning an 8 GPA and multiple academic scholarships. Her research interests center around developmental psychology, clinical applications of resilience, and the role of self-efficacy and spirituality in mental health. She has previously conducted research on the link between childhood trauma and necrophiliac behaviors through secondary analysis, and her current work focuses on identity exploration, self-efficacy, and spiritual well-being among young adults experiencing a quarter-life crisis.

Abstract

The quarter-life crisis (QLC) has increasingly been recognized as a critical developmental stage that impacts young adults navigating identity formation, career decision-making, and relational adjustments. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between identity exploration, self-efficacy, and spiritual well-being among young adults experiencing a QLC. These constructs were selected as they represent key psychological resources that enhance resilience and adaptation during transitional life phases. A purposive sample of 100 participants (50 males, 50 females), aged 18–29 years, was drawn from undergraduate students and early-career professionals who reported experiences of QLC-related distress. Standardized tools, including the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, were administered. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation and independent samples t-tests. Findings revealed significant positive relationships among the three constructs: identity exploration and spiritual well-being (r = 0.324, p < 0.01), self-efficacy and spiritual well-being (r = 0.401, p < 0.01), and identity exploration and self-efficacy (r = 0.491, p < 0.01). These results suggest that individuals who actively engage in exploring their identities are more likely to cultivate a sense of competence and spiritual grounding, which together foster psychological well-being. Independent t-tests indicated no significant gender differences in identity exploration (t = 0.05, p > 0.05), spiritual well-being (t = -0.32, p > 0.05), or self-efficacy (t = 0.12, p > 0.05). This implies that the QLC is a shared developmental experience, with its associated psychological resources being largely unaffected by gender. The study underscores the significance of strengthening self-awareness, personal competence, and spiritual connectedness in young adults. Such factors serve as protective mechanisms that enhance coping, promote resilience, and reduce the psychological strain associated with the QLC. These findings have implications for designing interventions and educational programs aimed at supporting young adults during early adulthood transitions.