A Grounded Theory of Critical Life Events

Despite the relevance of studying a changing person in a changing world, today this topic is insufficiently researched in psychology. In particular, the question remains open about the phenomenology of changes occur in a person and in his perception of the world and himself due to crucial life events. The aim of this study was a phenomenological description of changes occur in a person and in his perception of the world and himself due to crucial life events. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 young adults who were receiving or had already received higher education. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology. The emergent theory of crucial life events reflects the peculiarities of the personality changes. It was found that these changes would take place in three stages: (a) external changes due to the objective life events, (b) internal changes resulting from the process of comprehending and (c) external changes due to conscious effort. The implications for future research and psychotherapy practice are argued.