According to Erikson, identity crises take place during adolescence. However, research in the area over the years suggests that identity crises now take place in emerging adulthood rather than adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of identity crises during emerging adulthood. This study also aimed to gain an insight into the understanding and experiences of those that are going through an identity crisis. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals that are currently struggling with an identity crisis. A thematic analysis was employed in order to identity the key themes. Three key themes were extracted from the data set: The need for a distinct identity, fear of what the future holds, and awareness of change. The findings support Arnett’s (2000) theory that emerging adulthood is a distinct developmental period and the argument that identity crises now occur in emerging adulthood rather than adolescence. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that there are a number of…show more content… Each stage involves a conflict which must be successfully resolved or they may reappear as a problem in the future (Block, 2011). Stage five of this theory is known as the identity versus role confusion stage which occurs between the ages of 12-19 years old. This stage is characterized by an individual’s inner struggle to establish a sense of identity and to affirm their role in society (Block, 2011). Society places a huge amount of pressure on individuals during this time to decide what road to follow in terms of education and occupation. This can lead to social comparison of the self with others in an effort to clarify one’s own identity (Feldman, 2014). However, failure to establish a sense of identity can result in an identity crisis or role confusion which in turn can cause feelings of unhappiness (Feldman,
