Liminality and emerging adulthood: the influence of youth programs on self-identity

Abstract

This phenomenological study deals with the influence of a liminal experience on the development of self-identity among Canadian emerging adults. The author relates the experiences of four participants in Katimavik, a Canadian national youth service-learning program. This study indicates that Katimavik can be a liminal experience for the participants. The insight derived from the narratives of the participants shows the relationship between the liminal aspects of the program and the heightened awareness of the participants’ self-identity. As a form of experiential learning, liminal experiences are described as a way to facilitate the development of self-identity awareness for participants.