The (Not) Inevitable Midlife Crisis

A relatively old (1999) Washington Post article reports on several large studies that found midlife to often be a period of "smooth sailing" with an "increased sense of control." Among the findings: the stereotypical "midlife crisis" is often associated not with age, but with significant life events that just happen to occur between youth and old age:

"Nearly all 750 participants in one in-depth study recognized the term "midlife crisis," but only 23 percent had actually experienced one. When researchers analyzed their responses, they found that only 8 percent tied the emotional turmoil to the realization that they were aging. The remaining 15 percent said they had experienced a turbulent period in their middle years but the crisis was caused by significant life transitions--not by aging. ... Among the events that sent lives into a tailspin were divorce, loss of a job, the death of a child, the serious illness of a close relative or friend or severe financial problems.

"One of the most important findings is that the fear that there is a midlife crisis awaiting us all as we go through middle age doesn't appear to be true at all," (researcher Elaine) Wethington said.

At the same time, the study found that the number of stressful life events--what the researchers call psychological turning points--peaks during the middle years. But these events don't necessarily trigger a midlife crisis in most people."

A separate study that was part of the same project found that, according to the WaPo:

The findings paint a comfortable picture of midlife. The sense of control over work, finances and marriage increased in the late forties to early fifties and continued rising into old age. Most satisfying are relationships with children and spouses.

And, in good news for employers,

In the 40- to 60-year-old age group, job satisfaction is also extremely high in midlife, regardless of income, education levels or profession.

The studies, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Midlife Development, paint a picture of midlife as the period when people feel on top of their game. Too bad that notion won't get you on the bestseller lists!

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Copies of the studies are only available for purchase -- they aren't browsable online. The sponsoring foundation's website is here but it doesn't look like it's been updated in a while.