The Midlife Crisis?
Daniel Levinson used the term “midlife crisis” to describe the turmoil a person can experience in the transition to middle adulthood. According to him, this crisis occurs when a person experiences disillusionment while reflecting on previous life goals, marital and work status (Freund & Ritter (2009), p. 585). A common perception is that a midlife crisis is caused by a sense of mortality or impending death, however, research has found that most self-reported midlife crises are linked more to major life events or changes (Wethington (2000), p. 99).
While many research studies have found that a midlife crisis is not an inevitable part of the transition to middle adulthood, the concept still persists in popular culture. “Midlife crisis” is used to explain behaviors of middle adults that range from divorces or career changes to perceived attempts to stay young and cool, such as buying a sexy car.
If a midlife crisis is not an expected part of development, how can the concept still be helpful to social workers in understanding middle-aged clients? Freund and Ritter (2009) argue that a lenient concept of a midlife crisis that recognizes middle adulthood as a time of challenges and reflection can be useful to understanding development, particularly the influences of personal goals and societal expectations. A “crisis” should not be expected of a client in middle adulthood, but at the same time social workers should be aware of the unique stressors of this age range that can create challenges for individuals. Another important consideration is that the midlife crisis as it is presented here is a very Western concept. Keep in mind cultural and socioeconomic factors that may affect a client's experience in the transition to middle adulthood.
While many research studies have found that a midlife crisis is not an inevitable part of the transition to middle adulthood, the concept still persists in popular culture. “Midlife crisis” is used to explain behaviors of middle adults that range from divorces or career changes to perceived attempts to stay young and cool, such as buying a sexy car.
If a midlife crisis is not an expected part of development, how can the concept still be helpful to social workers in understanding middle-aged clients? Freund and Ritter (2009) argue that a lenient concept of a midlife crisis that recognizes middle adulthood as a time of challenges and reflection can be useful to understanding development, particularly the influences of personal goals and societal expectations. A “crisis” should not be expected of a client in middle adulthood, but at the same time social workers should be aware of the unique stressors of this age range that can create challenges for individuals. Another important consideration is that the midlife crisis as it is presented here is a very Western concept. Keep in mind cultural and socioeconomic factors that may affect a client's experience in the transition to middle adulthood.
Prevalence of Midlife CrisesThis graph from Wethington (2009) shows the age of occurrence for people who self reported having a midlife crisis. 35.2% of respondents in the study aged 50 or over reported a midlife crisis.
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Example of Stereotypical Midlife Crisis BehaviorGeorge Banks' (Steve Martin) reaction to the news that his daughter is pregnant in this movie trailer demonstrates some stereotypical behavior associated with a midlife crisis.
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Whitbourne's Identity Process Model
Whitbourne et al define three identity styles based on how mid-life adults react to new experiences. The three styles are: assimilative identity style, accommodative identity style and balanced identity style (Hutchinson (2011) p. 311). Assimilation occurs when a new experience is integrated into a person’s existing identity. Accommodation, on the other hand, happens when a person alters his or her identity as a reaction to a new experience.
Here are examples of what these identity styles might look like middle-aged individuals:
Here are examples of what these identity styles might look like middle-aged individuals:
Assimilative identity style: Karen, a life long runner, begins to experience severe knee pain when exercising. Her doctor previously told her he suspects she has arthritis in her knees and recommended low impact exercise. Karen decides the pain is worse because she has not been doing as much weight lifting recently and continues to train for her next marathon.
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Accommodative identity style: John is a triathlete who recently injured his shoulder during training. His doctor told him he needs to refrain from using his shoulder for six months or he might need surgery. John’s wife suggested he “slow down” and find a new hobby. John, who has always prided himself on physical fitness, is devastated. He sells his bike of Craigslist and donates all of his race t-shirts to Goodwill. He spends most of his free time sitting in his house alone.
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Balanced identity style: Mike’s favorite pastime is playing in a recreational basketball league with his friend. After a recent back injury his doctor told him he needs to participate in low-impact sports. Mike is upset, but after a few weeks starts going to water aerobics with his wife and volunteers to be the score keeper for his old league.
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Consider how these identity styles might relate to the concept of a midlife crisis. Do you think a person with an accommodative identity style might be more vulnerable to experiencing a “crisis” when reflecting and reevaluating life in middle age? Why or why not?