DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: A ...

study and therapy is a luxury, and it may be one that some cannot afford, due to
financial or systemic constraints that require immediate and continued attention after
the peak of crisis. But for the remainder, it is an integral part of resolving the
transition to a new equilibrium.
Phase 4: Equilibration
Life Situation: Recommitting to a new relationship and/or job
Experience: Greater inner-outer balance and enjoyment that pre-crisis
Self and Identity: New sense of self, more genuine expression of self in life
structure
Motivation: Intrinsic, relational, expressive
Phase 3 may be brief or may last in some cases up to several years. Crisis is part of a
transition between adult life stages, the full course of which is not complete until a new career
and/or new relationships are found. The new life structure differs from the pre-crisis life
structure in key ways. Firstly it is more flexible and open than the previous structure – roles
are less constrictive, and experienced as controllable. In the work sphere, freelance careers
seem to fit the new desire for flexibility. In Study 1, Neil becomes a freelance life coach,
Vern and Dan go freelance rather than take fixed jobs, Mary becomes a freelance lecturer,
Lynne becomes a freelance HR consultant, Leon becomes a freelance market researcher,
while Violet becomes a painter working for herself. In Study 2, Guy becomes a freelance
business consultant after being a full-time banker. In Study 3, all the three men, Rob, Mark
and Frank, work as freelancers for a while after the crisis. Freelance careers provide a
structural and vocational role with less possibility of getting into the kind of constricting,
oppressive role that precipitated the crisis.
The new life structure also differs from the previous one in that it is more focused on
the person’s interest(s) or passion(s) and is therefore intrinsically motivated. The chosen life
path is genuinely wanted, not merely expected by others. By using a passion or interest as a
focal pillar for the new life structure, the intrinsic self is reflected in day-to-day behaviour,
leading to a greater sense of inner-outer balance and the lack of a dysfunctional persona. The
passion or interest that provides the intrinsic focus of the Phase 4 life structure is described as
existing prior to early adulthood, and then is resurrected in the wake of crisis. The new life
structure is less based on compliance to others, and correspondingly feels more selfdetermined
and autonomous. This may cause conflict with those who disapprove of the new
direction and whose demands have been rejected. In the pursuit of a vocation and ongoing
enjoyment of life, there is less concern with money for many of the participants. Dan, who
was in corporate video promotions prior to his crisis, describes this new focus as follows:
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