Socioemotional Development in Middle Adulthood

Socioemotional Development in Middle Adulthood
Chapter 16

Stages of Adulthood Erikson Levinson

Erikson's Stage of Generativity Versus Stagnation Seventh Stage in his life-span theory Generativity-adults' desire to leave legacies of themselves to the next generation (achieving a kind of immortality) Stagnation-develops when individuals sense that they have done nothing for the next generation.

Levinson's Seasons of a Man's Life Adulthood for men has three main stages that are surrounded by transition periods. Specific tasks and challenges are associated with with each stage.

Early adult transition: Age 17 to 22 Transition from dependence to independence should occur Formation of a dream

Middle adult transition: Age 40-45 Requires adult male to come to grips with four major conflicts that have existed in his life since adolescence Being young versus being old Being destructive versus being constructive Being masculine versus being feminine Being attached to others versus being separated from them The success rests on how effectively the individual reduces the polarities

Late adult transition: Age 60 to 65

Midlife Crises - Levinson argues that the middle- aged adult is suspended between the past and the future, Trying to cope with this gap that threatens life's continuity

Life-Events Approach to adult personality development Taxing circumstances, forcing individuals to change their personality Events such as death of a spouse, divorce, marriage, etc. .....involving stress and therefore influencing the individuals development

Contemporary Life-Events Approach to adult personality development. (Page 489) Emphasizing how a life event influences the individuals development including: Mediating factors The persons adaptation to the life event The life stage context The sociohistorical context

Daily Hassles may also be a primary sources of stress.

Women and Stress Women are more vulnerable to social stressors such as those involving romance, family, and work More likely than men to become depressed when they encounter stressful life events More likely to engage in a tend-and-befriend pattern (seeking social alliances with others, especially female friends)

Men and Stress Men are more likely to respond in a fight-or flight manner To become aggressive, withdraw from social contact, or drink alcohol

Social Clock The timetable according to which individuals are expected to accomplish tasks .... Such as getting married, having children, or establishing themselves in a career Providing guides for our lives But when not in sync... May cause stress

Evidence: personality traits continue to change during the adult years, even into late adulthood. People show more stability in their personality when they reach midlife than they did when they were younger Over time, people become more confident, warm, responsible, and calm.... Socially mature A major component of well-being involves positive relationships with others, especially parents, spouse, and offspring

Love and Marriage Affectionate, or companionate, love increases during middle adulthood. Security, loyalty, and mutual emotional interest become more important Marital satisfaction increased

Divorce - Pros Perils of divorce can be fewer and less intense Because the have more resources, children are adults, partners may have gained a better understanding of themselves

Divorce -Cons The emotional and time commitment to marriage that has existed for years may not be lightly given up May feel betrayal Women may lack the necessary education, skills, and employment experience to maintain a standard of living

Divorce Study: Staying married because of their children was found to be the main reason many took so long to become divorced

Empty Nest Syndrome A decrease in marital satisfaction that occurs after children leave home ... Because parents derive considerable satisfaction from their children Most couples... Marital satisfaction does not decline

Boomerang Kids Adult children return home after several years of college, after graduation, a failed marriage, a failed career, or to save money Some don't leave home at all

Sibling Relationships Typically close They often provide practical and emotional support toe ache other

Grandparenting The increase in longevity is influencing the nature of grandparenting Grandmothers have more contact with grandchildren than grandfathers Sources of biological reward Source of emotional self-fulfillment Can provide a sense of purpose and feeling valued

Changing Profile of Grandparents Many children live with at least one grandparent ....Due to divorce, adolescent pregnancies, and drug use by parents .... Many of these grandparents have elevated risk for health problems, depression, and stress Many grandparents live with their children contributing to family income and provide child care

Sandwich generation middle-aged adults with the responsibilities for their adolescents and young adult children as well as their aging parents Caring for parents that become very ill or die... Can be very stressful And may add needs for additional support

Socioemotional Development in Middle Adulthood

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