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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.
Read Similar LifeTwo Stories:
- How Many People Have A Midlife Crisis?
- More On The Midlife Crisis You May Never Have
- How Long Does A Midlife Crisis Last?
- Is Midlife Crisis Triggered By Fear Of Your Own Death?
- Does Midlife Crisis Only Happen to Forty-somethings?
- Are Male and Female Midlife Crises Different?
- Is Midlife Crisis A Middle Class Problem?
- Midlife Crisis in America: An opportunity for transformation
Mid-Life Crisis & Relationships
A poll conducted by Desertion Survivors found that 38.4% of respondents' spouses/partners had deserted them after 20-30 years together, suggesting a strong link to mid-life crisis, with the 20-25 year bracket being the most common, accounting for 24.2% of the overall total.
Although I am only 21 year
Although I am only 21 year old, I know that I am awaiting midlife crisis. I think that it happens to everybody.
Mike from log splitter guide
Some people manage to
Some people manage to navigate a midlife crisis, learn from it and move on to a more rewarding life. Then there are those who turn into a person you don’t know, take up with another man/woman and inflict enormous pain on and their family. Whether your spouse works through their midlife crisis without doing too much harm or turns into a bull in a china shop and destroys everything, they will go through changes. Changes that will leave you confused and wondering what you can do to help yourself and your spouse and hopefully save your marriage. This article is about helping yourself survive your spouse’s midlife crisis. If it helps your spouse, great. If it saves your marriage, great. The only way you are going to be of any help to your spouse or possibly save your marriage is to learn how you can navigate their crisis without it costing you too much emotionally.
I'm 38 years-old, i have got
I'm 38 years-old, i have got married for a few years, and it seems to happen to me ! Midlife Crisis !! Last month i bought a red sport Car, i've got a new girlfriend (30years Old) ! Is it a real crisis ? because it make me very happy ! i don't even know how it's great ! I just expekt that it will be continue...
hmm
who turn into a person you don’t know, take up with another man/woman and inflict enormous pain on and their family. Whether your spouse works through their midlife crisis without doing too much harm or turns into a bull in a china shop and destroys everything, they will go through changes. Changes that will leave you confused and wondering what you can do to help yourself and your spouse and hopefully save your marriage. This article is about helping yourself survive your spouse’s midlife crisis. If it helps your spouse, great. If it saves your marriage, great. The only way you are going to be of any help to your spouse or possibly save your marriage is to learn how you can navigate their crisis without it costing you too much emotionally.
Arrgghhh I think ive just
Arrgghhh I think ive just hit mine. I spontaneously spent 30k on a sports car yesterday. Im in big trouble.
James Howarth - My Blog
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