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14: Social and Emotional Development in Middle Adulthood (Ages 30 to 59)
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14.0: What Does Psychology Say?
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The page discusses middle adulthood as a period characterized by numerous roles and responsibilities across various aspects of life such as home, work, and community. It presents a scenario of a woman named Lisha juggling her busy life tasks, reflecting typical experiences in this life stage. The text raises questions about the development of family life, variables promoting well-being, the concept of the "sandwich generation," and the potential for a midlife crisis.
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14.1: Development of Self, Personality, and Identity in Middle Adulthood
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This page explores the development of self during middle adulthood, emphasizing theories like Erikson???s psychosocial development, Levinson???s Seasons of Life, and Valliant???s theory of successful aging. It examines the role of generativity and stagnation, how personality changes or remains stable, and the impact of historical context on personality development. The concept of a midlife crisis is discussed, with findings suggesting generativity in adulthood is linked to positive growth.
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14.2: Contexts- Love and Romance in Middle Adulthood
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This section focuses on the psychosocial and romantic development in middle adulthood, highlighting the importance of secure attachment and factors influencing love, marriage, and divorce. It discusses how adult attachment styles mirror Erikson's theory and impact relationships with romantic partners, parents, and children. The text examines causes influencing marital satisfaction, changing dynamics in contemporary marriages, and shifts in divorce rates.
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14.3: Households and Parenting in Middle Adulthood
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This page discusses different household structures and their dynamics, focusing on single, multigenerational, blended, and LGBTQ+ family households. It addresses challenges in midlife parenting and the impacts on social connections. The page highlights the changing roles and relationships in adult life, offering insights into maintaining family cohesion and managing stress.
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14.4: Transitions in Caregiving Roles in Middle Adulthood
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This section explores the dynamics and challenges faced by the "sandwich generation," individuals who care for both their children and aging parents. It discusses the stress and role strain experienced, with women often bearing a disproportionate burden of care. The text also delves into the transition of launching children into adulthood, the empty nest phase, and becoming grandparents.
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14.5: A Successful Middle Adulthood
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This section focuses on middle adulthood and how various factors contribute to life satisfaction during this period. It explores the connections between happiness, life satisfaction, and cultural influences, detailing how factors like financial stability, social support, and personality traits impact well-being.
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14.6: Key Terms
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14.7: Summary
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14.8: Review Questions
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14.9: Check Your Understanding Questions
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14.10: Personal Application Questions
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14.11: Essay Questions
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