DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: A ...

6.6 Summary of the 4-Phase Pattern
This study suggests that crisis does occur in early adulthood for some, and that
it has a definable form. Results from all five clusters show an invariant process of
four phases in the crisis episodes sampled. These four phases are not discrete, distinct
chapters, but are more like four clear emphases in the flow of a crisis narrative; they
overlap and interact, but appear in a definable sequence:
1. Phase 1: Locked-In
The crisis starts with committed roles at home and/or at work that are constricting,
dissatisfying and conflictual, but are not questioned or open to change. This leads to a
sense of feeling trapped in, or locked in to, the relationship and/or job in question. The
self is described as being hidden behind a role-based façade, while self-understanding is
described as limited.
2. Phase 2: Separation and Escape
Phase 1 is followed by rising discontent and by more conscious consideration of leaving.
This leads to an emotionally fraught period of separation from the Phase 1 roles and the
people linked to those roles. Individuals lose a clear identity in this transitional and
difficult process as they leave the role-based self behind but do not replace it.
3. Phase 3: Exploration and Moratorium
After separation and the emotion surrounding it has been coped with, a period of
exploration and noncommittal experimentation occurs. This involves trying new
activities, new relationships and new aspects of self, and often going back to study, or
going into therapy. It may involve reconnecting with earlier interests and dreams.
4. Phase 4: Resolution
The crisis terminates with new role-based commitments that are more enjoyable, more
self-determined, more flexible and more integrated. An open-ended identity is
established that is felt to be more authentic and in control. There is sometimes a
description of a “new self” emerging as crisis comes to a close.
6.7 Discussion
In this section results are integrated with existing theory in order to help
interpret the emerging crisis dynamic. Features from all four phases are considered
through the lens of theory on; motivation, locus of control, persona, self,
depersonalisation, transition, moratorium and development.
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