Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan, Second Edition

(Michael S) #1
8 Middle Adulthood 205

New research demonstrates that what we do in midlife matters. Exercise,
education, and good nutrition improve brain function and future health.
Individuals who are depressed in middle age have a higher likelihood of
decreased mobility and challenges with activities of daily living as they age
(Covinsky, Yaffe, Lindquist, Cherkasova, Yelin, & Blazer, 2010). Although
the connection between depression and disability in older age has long been
known, Covinsky et al. suggest that knowing how depression in midlife affects
us should spur us to intervene more aggressively to treat depression and its
frequent comorbidity, coronary artery disease, to prevent later disability.

Psychological Development


Midlife adults desire a sense of effectiveness and want to “make a difference”
(Newman & Newman, 2006). They want to leave a legacy behind for the next
generation. The psychosocial crisis for this middle adulthood is generativity
versus stagnation (Erikson, 1980) and involves a commitment to making life
better for future generations. The term generativity includes the processes of
creativity, productivity, and procreativity. Midlife adults hope to change the
world by introducing new ideas or things or may create new relationships that
will leave a lasting impression. Generativity involves making contributions
to society that stand some chance of continuing after one’s death—these can
be personal or professional. Stagnation refers to lack of psychological move-
ment or growth. Stagnant adults are self-absorbed and unable to mentor new
employees or invent new approaches in the workplace or invest emotionally
in their families. They tend to be resentful, avoidant, and withdrawn.
Levinson and Levinson (1996) found that midlife individuals struggle
with questions about family, work, independence, and marriage. Women
moving into their 50s tend to work on deepening relationships (Arnold, 2005),
a finding that supports the idea that midlife is a time of building and consoli-
dating work, family, and community relationships. Arnold found that many
women experienced a new sense of spirituality as well. During the midlife
phase, many adults reassess and reorder their goals or priorities. The “midlife
crisis” is rare if defined as a true breakdown or rejection of one’s prior life.
However, most midlife individuals reassess their achievements and inner
satisfaction with the hope of attaining a sense of fulfillment (Drimalla, 2015).
Some midlife adults continue to work on the dreams and goals of early adult-
hood, but many find this a time to take stock and work toward new goals
based on deferred dreams and interests (Drimalla, 2015).
Midlife adults also confront their own mortality, often for the first time,
as they face the fact that they have probably lived more years than they have
ahead of them. The press of time creates a sense of urgency and the necessity to
prioritize. Comparative life course research rooted in socioemotional selectiv-
ity theory finds that young adults, with many opportunities still to come, pur-
sue new relationships and possibilities, whereas midlife and older adults tend
to invest in known relationships. They give priority to positive events and
relationships, enhancing their sense of well-being (Carstensen, 2006, 2015).
Arnold (2005) found that all 23 women in her study of women in their 50s
viewed time as precious and as a commodity to be used wisely.
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