Chapter Notes: Module 14
PSYC 200 Chapter Notes
Chapter 8: Middle Adulthood (pages 307-335)
The section of the chapter beginning on page 307 highlights key issues related to cognitive development in middle adulthood. After noting distinctions between crystallized versus fluid intelligence, and some of the important findings from the Seattle Longitudinal Study (it has continued since 1956, now with about 6000 participants), the authors offer information related to education, workplace, and leisure.
I am inclined to believe that this ;middle adulthood period of self-reflection and life-evaluation, along with the realities of physical aging, has led to the notion of mid-life crisis. As the textbook points out, the general consensus is that the concept of mid-life crisis has been largely overstated and exaggerated. Every life-stage has unique challenges and transitions, but unless there are major crises (such as job loss, financial problems, relationship struggles, illness, etc.) the path through middle adulthood does not have to be tumultuous. As one author noted, “Ever since Eric Erickson coined the term ‘midlife crisis’ more than 30 years ago, male melancholy around halftime has been poked and prodded six ways to whaddya say. Theories abound. At the bio-extreme is the ideas that the midway heebie-jeebies are hardwired, a hormonal analogue to female menopause. The skeptics believe that the 40s funk is just a self-fulfilling prophecy for self-indulgent guys.”
The next few pages in this section cover contexts of midlife development and their influence. As you read through the section on stability and change in middle adulthood, notice especially the Harvard Studies by George Vaillant. His research efforts emphasized the best predictors of being in a “happy-well” category at 75 to 80 years of age. If you choose to dig deeper in these studies, you will notice that the list of positive influential factors is very interesting--I find it intriguing that wealth and income at age 50 were not linked with being in the “happy-well” category at 75—80 years of age.
Be sure to note the many aspects of stress, such as disposition (I mentioned Type A/Type B behaviors in earlier chapter notes), social relationships, and caregiving stress as our loved ones need special attention and assistance. As noted on page 321, coping strategies are often classified into two categories: problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping.
Erickson’s psychosocial theory helps crystallize a central theme of middle adulthood: the tension between generativity and stagnation. As one looks back on their life, did they leave a legacy through their life or have they contributed nothing that will be passed on to future generations? This stage of life can be a very introspective and challenging period. I suspect there is a connection between these important life questions and increased volunteerism during this life stage. As I have indicated before, the time to think (and act) on these guiding issues is now! Investing in the lives of others, working to make the world a better place, loving and caring for those in our society who are often overlooked and underserved—these are the types of involvement and investment that allow one to look back on their life in middle adulthood and feel pleased with their contributions.
Closing topics in this chapter:
The closing section of this chapter focuses on important relationships in middle adulthood, such as marriage, children, siblings, and grandchildren. Regarding ways to strengthen your marriage in the middle years, the following suggestions come from interviews with divorced individuals. Clearly, a great deal of practical and valuable insights can be learned from those who have experienced marital dissolution. The suggestions include: Establish the priority of your spouse early in your marriage; do not allow parenthood to overshadow the marriage; be alert for warning signs of marital problems such as criticism, sarcasm, nagging, and personal discontent; strive toward equality in all aspects of a marriage; develop a network of friendships with other couples who strive for quality marriages; and evaluate the marriage from time to time and attend a marriage enrichment workshop.
The “empty nest” syndrome and its refilling (sometimes called the “cluttered nest” syndrome) are discussed on pages 324 and 325. You might find these two articles interesting for further reading.
https://mhanational.org/caregiving-and-sandwich-generation Links to an external site.
There are a few pages devoted to divorce, dating post-divorce, remarriage, and repartnering, beginning on page 327. The chapter draws to a close with good insights on several topics, including grandparenting, friendships, women in midlife, and religion and spirituality. I would add to these topics, the typology of sibling relationships in later life by medical sociologist Deborah Gold. She categorized five groupings, the last two of which are negative.
- Intimate siblings are very close and consider each other to be best friends and close confidants.
- Congenial siblings feel close and see each other as good friends, but feel closer to a spouse or adult child.
- Loyal siblings are available because of family bonds rather than affection or closeness.
- Apathetic siblings are indifferent, rarely think about each other, and have very little contact with each other.
- Hostile siblings are angry and resentful, and have had negative ties for a long time.
A few additional thoughts about grandparenting, please... three dominant styles of grandparenting are formal, fun-seeking, and distant. Other studies have added two additional types: surrogate parents (where the grandparent assumes the responsibilities of child care) and the reservoir of family wisdom (where the grandparent acts as a special source of skills, resources, and judgment). While the grandparent-grandchild relationship is not as intense as the parent-child one, it is a unique and potentially highly gratifying relationship that is important in the lives of both grandparents and grandchildren. Have I told you about my grandchildren, Addy and Milly and Zack, and how amazing, powerful, delightful, and brilliant they are?