Chapter 22 Psychosocial Development in Middle Adulthood Michael Hoerger

Midlife Crisis Definition: Period of heightened anxiety, introspection, and transformation in middle adulthood Myth?  Another example of bounded rationality  No studies have found supporting evidence  Any changes are usually for the better But…  Large studies often miss rare events

Remarriage 50% of marriages are remarriages for at least one partner involved More common in older adulthood Men more likely to remarry, often within 5 years Probability of divorce and negative consequences increase with each additional marriage Homosexual couples relatively unstudied

Sandwich Generation Definition: role overload in middle adulthood due to simultaneously being parent and child Generally unlikely:  Most don’t contribute to parents  Helping older family members can improve well-being  Older adults with disabilities are not children

Retirement Average age of retirement: 65 years old Higher SES = later retirement In married couples, the male usually retires first Financial planning is key, but most wait until age 50 People underestimate medical costs, inflation, and how long they will live

Michael Hoerger To cite this textbook: Berger, K. (2005). The developing person through the lifespan. New York: Worth. To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, April 11). Developmental Psychology: Middle Adulthood Psychosocial Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.