Middle AdulthoodAdapted from Arnett’s Human Development: A Cultural Approach, 1st Edition

What changes do people undergo during middle adulthood?

What are the “good things” that are associated with middle age?

What is generativity?

What is a major risk associated with the sandwich generation?

Information Processing in Middle AdulthoodSpeed, Attention, and Memory

Perceptual speed declines in middle adulthood

Decline in ability to focus attention Disregard the irrelevant information

Decline in ability for divided attention

Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence

Two kinds of intelligence Fluid intelligence—information processing,

discerning relations and processing speed Crystallized intelligence—accumulation of

knowledge

Fluid intelligence rises and declines

_____________________________ Not a large decline in memory tasks

The Peak of Expertise

_____________________________ Experience important Allows for efficient processing of

information Leads to automaticity A form of crystallized intelligence

Self-Development

Self-Development peaks: Self-acceptance favorable Identity seems more favorable Increased autonomy

Collectivist cultures May emphasize relations to others more

than self-development

Gender Issues in Midlife

Midlife sees a decline in restrictive gender roles India—Middle adulthood women gain position

in the family and in religious matters

In many cultures women in midlife are still deemed unattractive

Cultures vary in women achieving status and authority

More Gender Issues in Midlife

More opportunity but still not equal

High status tradeoff Could cause frustration as women

have to sacrifice family goals for status

Men more flexible in midlife

Marital roles more egalitarian but women still do bulk of household chores

Empty Nesters and “Boomerang” Children

Mid-life parents have young adult or emerging adulthood children Unmarried adult children at home tend to

be welcomed—Southern Europe and Japan Adult children leaving the home is both

sad and happy time—Northern Europe, U.S., UK Returning home positive if there are goals

Parents still provide financial support

Grandparenting

Becoming a grandparent is a new role Daily household chores including childcare Involvement influenced by distance, and

relationship with in-laws Daughter-in-law relationship important Grandmothers tend to be more involved Role tends to be enjoyed

Generativity

Erikson’s theory—Generativity versus Stagnation

Generativity is the motivation to contribute to the well-being of future generations Parenting, mentorship, tutoring

The Midlife Crisis (Myth?)

Jung credited with coining the term mid-life crisis

Levinson and Jung believed it a time of feeling confusion and turmoil

Research has failed to find consistent evidence of a midlife crisis

Negative life events can occur but not specific to middle adulthood

Personality

Personality largely remains stable by some measurements

Some changes may occur throughout the lifespan