DEVELOPMENTAL CRISIS IN EARLY ADULTHOOD: A ...

nature, I think, if you are lucky enough to be able to cope. If you don’t, then you are
not being made stronger by the experience.” (Claire, p.22)
This stronger self is less anxious, more assertive, more autonomous, and more in
control. It is a developmental progression from the pre-crisis self; it is not just
different but better. Not all of the participants interviewed had reached the
equilibrium and new commitments of Phase 4. Jack and Angela were still in the latter
throws of Phase 3 when I spoke to them, as they were still studying for a new career,
and had yet to start the intended role, while Mark and George were committed and
post-crisis, but still studying towards a new career. The remaining majority were
speaking from places of new balance and equilibrium, which were not ideal or final,
but were better and more balanced than before the crisis.
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