People have long debated whether there's something about middle age that makes it a uniquely trying time, and now a pair of researchers say they can show that around the world, happiness bottoms out in midlife. »more»

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, "it depends." And it depends on what type of midlife crisis the person is experiencing -- or if it's even a midlife crisis at all. »more»

According to a comprehensive study of data from 80 countries, researchers at Britain's Warwick University and America's Dartmouth College have confirmed what people in their forties have known for years, middle age is indeed truly miserable. Researchers discovered that "for both men and women the probability of depression peaks around 44 years of age. »more»

Gloomy Brits, upbeat Aussies, and the dissatisfied middle aged -- a worldwide poll provides fodder for many a stereotype. »more»

Are people wired to think they can do "better" than their current choices? New research says:

... when consumers expect to make similar choices in the future, they selectively pay attention to information that suggests that an alternative would be better. These consumers also tend to disregard information that indicates their current choice is the best possible choice.

Admittedly, the researchers were looking at shopping behavior ... but marriage, career, and other aspects of life's path are in some sense also a matter of weighing one's choices. »more»

Writing in the latest issue of Psychology Today, academics Alan S. Miller and Satoshi Kanazawa propose a provocative theory of the cause of midlife crisis:

Many believe that men go through a midlife crisis when they are in middle age. Not quite. Many middle-aged men do go through midlife crises, but it's not because they are middle-aged. It's because their wives are. »more»

Poor childhood sibling relationships are linked to major depression in adulthood, according to a new study.

The reason for the newfound relationship is unknown. »more»

Hundreds of thousands of families will soon see their youngest child off to college, and that means an outbreak of despondent mothers and fathers suffering from empty nest syndrome.

Or does it? »more»

"Midlife crisis" may be many things -- depression, a reassessment, dissatisfaction, or unease -- but a key contributor can be career issues.

But like so much about midlife, there is little hard data on what happens to midcareer adults. »more»

A new study of half a million Americans and Europeans concludes that people are less happy in middle age than when they are younger or older. »more»