Chapter 22

Psychosocial Development in Middle Adulthood

Michael Hoerger

Midlife CrisisDefinition: Period of heightened anxiety,

introspection, and transformation in middle adulthood

Myth? Another example of bounded rationality No studies have found supporting evidence Any changes are usually for the better

But… Large studies often miss rare events

Remarriage50% of marriages are remarriages for at

least one partner involvedMore common in older adulthoodMen more likely to remarry, often within

5 yearsProbability of divorce and negative

consequences increase with each additional marriage

Homosexual couples relatively unstudied

Sandwich GenerationDefinition: role overload in middle

adulthood due to simultaneously being parent and child

Generally unlikely: Most don’t contribute to parents Helping older family members

can improve well-being Older adults with disabilities

are not children

Retirement

Average age of retirement: 65 years oldHigher SES = later retirementIn married couples, the male usually

retires firstFinancial planning is key, but most wait

until age 50People underestimate medical costs,

inflation, and how long they will live

Michael Hoerger

To cite this textbook:Berger, K. (2005). The developing person

through the lifespan. New York: Worth.

To cite this lecture:Hoerger, M. (2007, April 11).

Developmental Psychology: Middle Adulthood Psychosocial Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.