Our research into midlife crisis has convinced us that there's no such thing.

No one thing, anyway. »more»

The conventional wisdom is that midlife crises usually feature extramarital affairs.

But one may have little to do with the other.

Middle-aged people -- of either gender -- have affairs. But many have nothing to do with the usual midlife crisis. Rather, they are the result of placing low value on the relationship, and poor bonding with one's spouse. »more»

One Official LifeTwo Tenet™ (kidding about the ™) is that a midlife crisis is usually not a crisis, and is often a catalyst for positive change.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review has a nice piece this week that supports our view. Their Kellie Gormly writes in "Midlife Minus the Crisis:" »more»

Over 90% of Americans can provide a definition of "midlife crisis." What do they mean?

Common beliefs about midlife crisis include: »more»

The midlife crisis is firmly fixed in popular belief as something that happens between the ages of forty and fifty.

But research shows that more than half of (self) reported midlife crises occur before 40 or after 50. »more»

The psychologist who coined the term "midlife crisis" in 1965 thought that people went through a period of turmoil when they became aware of their inevitable death. In 1976, Gail Sheehy's mega-bestseller Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life told readers that by their forties, they would face a major upheaval when they became aware that "time can run out on us." »more»

Self-reported midlife crisis does not change much with income.

Our analysis of 1998's MIDUS (Midlife Development in the United States) study shows that people who say they've had a midlife crisis don't have higher or lower incomes than the general population. »more»

You're a type-A list maker. You're going to die. So how should you figure out what to do with the next thirty-plus years of your life?

1) make a list.
2) Or buy a book with the list ready-made -- if you can choose which one! »more»

Divorce used to be something that happened to people well before they turned 40. No longer. The most-divorced group in the U.S. population is well into middle age.

Does that mean we'll see more midlife crises ... and the sometimes embarassing behavior that goes with it? »more»

Want to know how your midlife is going? Are you on track for a crisis? Please take our 5 minute quiz by answering the following with either Yes or No:

1. I am more open regarding my principles today than I was earlier in my life. »more»