Mind the Gap in the Middle: A Call to Study Midlife - PubMed (original) (raw)

Mind the Gap in the Middle: A Call to Study Midlife

Margie E Lachman. Res Hum Dev. 2015.

Abstract

Although the study of midlife has increased somewhat over the last decade, middle- aged adults are often omitted from research on adult development and aging. Possible reasons for the lack of attention to middle age are considered and recommendations for ways to increase research on midlife are suggested to generate new knowledge and to dispel the myths. Findings related to the happiness curve and the midlife crisis are discussed in the context of addressing misconceptions. A model of midlife as a pivotal period in the life course at the intersection of growth and decline is presented. Closing the research gap in the middle of the life course will help to further our understanding of this understudied age period. The findings can inform interventions to promote well-being among the middle-aged with concomitant benefits for the welfare of those younger and older who depend on them.

Keywords: Middle age; happiness; midlife; midlife crisis; well-being.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Midlife at the intersection of growth and decline: A double exponential function shows a peak in midlife. Dotted line shows the decrease path (e.g., processing new information), the dashed line show the increase path (e.g., knowledge and experience), the solid line is the combined effect of gains and losses.

References

    1. Baird BM, Lucas RE, Donnellan MB. Life satisfaction across the lifespan: Findings from two nationally representative panel studies. Social Indicators Research. 2010;99:183–203. -PMC -PubMed
    1. Blanchflower DG, Oswald AJ. Is well-being U-shaped over the life cycle? Social Science & Medicine. 2008;66:1733–1749. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.01.030. -DOI -PubMed
    1. Brim OG, Ryff CD, Kessler RC. A national study of well-being at midlife. Chicago: University of Chicago Press; 2004. How healthy are we?
    1. Eichorn DH, Clausen JA, Haan N, Honzik MP, Mussen PH, editors. Present and past in middle life. NY: Academic Press; 1981.
    1. Friedman HS, Martin LR. The longevity project. New York: Hudson Street Press; 2011.

LinkOut - more resources