Logotherapy as a psychosocial intervention for quarter-life crisis among young adults: A quasi-experimental study

INTRODUCTION: Quarter-life crisis (QLC) is a developmental and existential phenomenon commonly experienced by university students and young adults. It is characterized by identity confusion, uncertainty regarding future life direction, and psychological pressure during the transition to adulthood. QLC may negatively affect mental health, academic motivation, and social functioning. Logotherapy, as a meaning-centered form of psychotherapy, has the potential to reduce existential distress and improve psychological adaptation. This study aimed to examine the effect of logotherapy on quarter-life crisis levels among university students and to compare changes in QLC scores between intervention and control groups.
METHODS: A quasi-experimental study with a pre–posttest control group design was conducted. A total of 134 university students were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=67) and a control group (n=67). QLC levels were measured using a modified Quarter-Life Crisis Questionnaire developed based on Robbins and Wilner’s conceptual framework (Cronbach’s alpha=0.843). The intervention group received structured group logotherapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparisons and the Mann–Whitney U test for between-group comparisons.
RESULTS: Significant reductions in QLC scores were observed in both groups (p<0.001). The control group had a mean reduction of 7.07 points, whereas the intervention group experienced a greater mean reduction of 14.76 points. Mann–Whitney U analysis indicated a significant difference in posttest scores between groups (U=273.5; p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Logotherapy demonstrated beneficial effects in reducing QLC levels among university students. These findings underscore the value of meaning-centered psychosocial interventions for enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity in young adults, supporting their integration into university mental health services.

Keywords: Mental health, psychological adaptation, psychotherapy, students, young adults