Pengaruh Quarter Life Crisis Terhadap Kesehatan Mental Mahasiswa Generasi Z (Studi Kasus Mahasiswa FISIP USU)

Abstract

This study discusses a phenomenon that often occurs in students, especially Generation Z, namely Quarter-Life Crisis. This common phenomenon is a psychological phenomenon experienced by individuals aged 18 to 30 years. This phase is characterized by feelings of anxiety, doubt about the future, and pressure in making important decisions in life. This study aims to understand the influence of Quarter-Life Crisis on the mental health of students, especially in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the University of North Sumatra (USU). The informants in this study numbered 5 people, consisting of 2 8th semester students and 3 6th semester students This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with FISIP USU students who experienced Quarter-Life Crisis, as well as observation and analysis of related documentation. Data analysis techniques were carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that Quarter-Life Crisis has a significant impact on mental health in students, such as the emergence of stress and feelings of insecurity. The main factors that influence this condition include academic pressure, social expectations, poor careers, and demands for financial independence. The analysis that can be done in this study shows that students who experience this phase are often trapped by high expectations from their social environment. This study shows that students who have good social support, such as from family and friends, tend to be able to overcome this phase better than those who feel protected.