Studies about Individual Life Structure: A Meta-Synthesis Study

Abstract

Adulthood period, which forms the most satisfying and wearing years of life psychologically, has been defined by many theorists. One of these theorists is Levinson, who developed the theory of Life Structure. There is a need for investigating the studies about life structure in a developmental process from a holistic and systematic point of view in order to learn what the studies about life structure enhance in adult individuals’ life. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to investigate how adult people’s life structures are shaped in the transition periods and the factors that affect their career developments in the qualitative studies about life structure. This study that is qualitative in nature is based on meta-synthesis approach. The data used in the study were composed of 12 qualitative studies selected using criterion sampling method. Based on the research in academic databases, the data were subjected to thematic content analysis methods in order to obtain common themes from the findings of the primary qualitative studies. The results of this study revealed four sub-themes and eight categories related to the themes of transition periods and career development.Results of the studies indicated that adult people experienced changes in their sense of self and life goals in a transition period they were in. Adult people who are in a transition period are determined to give a special place to their hobbies while they are shaping their life structures. Finally, factors affecting success in adult individuals’ career development were found to be mainly intrinsic motivation and a mentor.