Psychology Dictionary of ArgumentsHome
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| Midlife crisis: The midlife crisis in psychology refers to a period of emotional turmoil and introspection sometimes experienced around middle age (roughly 40-60 years old). It's characterized by a strong desire for change, often triggered by reassessment of life goals and achievements, confrontation with mortality. See also Aging, Death, Sense, Life, Lifeworld, Work, Labour, Social relationships._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
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Psychological Theories on Midlife Crisis - Dictionary of Arguments
Upton I 145 Midlife Crisis/Psychological theories/Upton: There is much less evidence to support Levinson’s suggestion of a midlife crisis [than evidence for other theses of Levinson] >Levinson (1986(1), 1996(2)). >Stages of development/Levinson. Many studies support the idea that midlife is a time of self-reflection, and even a time when goals may change (Hermans and 0les, 1999(3). However, the image of the adult experiencing a crisis during midlife remains largely unsubstantiated (Hedlund and Ebersole, 1983)(4). As they age, many people show increased satisfaction with their jobs, are more involved in their work and are less interested in seeking out new jobs (Rhodes, 1983)(5). This is in complete contrast to the image that many people have that, as adults age, they become less able to work. Indeed, the evidence suggests that older adults are as capable as their younger co-workers (Hansson et al., 1997)(6). It is thought that this may well reflect the expertise acquired through ‘on-the-job’ experience (Hansson et al., 1997)(6). 1. Levinson, DJ (1986) The Seasons of a Man’s Life. New York: Alfred Knopf. 2. Levinson, DJ (1996) The Seasons of a Woman’s Life. New York Alfred Knopf. 3. Hermans, H and 0les, p (1999) Midlife crisis in men: affective organization of personal meanings. Human Relations, 52: 1403-26. 4. Hedlund, B and Ebersole, P (1983) A test of Levinson’s mid-life re-evaluation Journal of Genetic Psychology, 143: 189-92. 5. Rhodes, SR (1983) Age-related differences in work attitudes and behaviour: a review and conceptual analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 93: 328-67. 6. Hansson, RO, De Koekkoek, PD, Neece, WM and Patterson, DW (1997) Successful aging at work: annual review, 1992—1996: the older worker and transitions to retirement. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 51: 202-33._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Psychological Theories Upton I Penney Upton Developmental Psychology 2011 |
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