Di Antara Tanggung Jawab dan Jati Diri: Dinamika Psikologis Generasi Z sebagai Sandwich Generation

The sandwich generation, traditionally associated with middle-aged adults, is increasingly observed among members of Generation Z in Indonesia, creating potential tension between identity formation and the demand to support one's family. This study examines the psychological dynamics of Generation Z as the sandwich generation through Erik Erikson's psychosocial development theory and identifies factors influencing their psychological well-being. A narrative review was conducted on 27 scientific sources (12 primary studies on Generation Z and young adults, 13 supporting studies on the wider sandwich generation, and 2 sources on early adult development) and analyzed using thematic synthesis. The synthesis suggests that family-support demands arise while Generation Z is still in the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage, producing an overlap of developmental tasks conceptualized here as psychosocial stage compression. Financial burden, role conflict, and burnout emerge as the main risk factors, whereas social support, family communication, coping strategies, financial management, and the meaning attached to the role act as protective factors. These findings point to the notion of forced generativity as a conceptual extension of Erikson's theory that still requires empirical testing. Interventions that strengthen identity development, social support, and social protection are needed for young adults serving as the sandwich generation.