Daniel Levinson graduated from Yale as a psychologist and developed a comprehensive stage theory of adult development. In his book The Seasons of a Man’s life he first used the term ‘midlife crisis’. We often hear this expression, but does it really exist?
According to Levinson the midlife transition is a period of change that occurs between 40 and 45 years of age. During this period, you may question the whole structure of your life, including its meaning and direction. Furthermore, You may be reminded of how short life is and start to think about the legacy you will leave behind.
Some of you may experience feelings of loss or anxiety, particularly when it comes to seeing your children leaving home. Therefore, you may not be able to see a way forward and look at the future as something to fear, desperately wanting to hold on to the perceived safety of youth. How many of you have joked about a middle aged person you know who suddenly goes out and buys a red sports car and starts dating someone in their twenties? So, this is the crisis associated with midlife.
Is A Midlife Crisis Real?
But, is this really what happens for all of us? Many psychologists have begun to question the validity of such a structured stage approach. For example, things have changed in our society. The so called ‘change of life’ may give you a new sense of freedom, greater financial security through optimum earning potential, and opportunities for personal growth. It is also felt unlikely that all 40-to-45-year-olds in every culture in the world will experience a similar phenomenon such as the midlife. Therefore, it is more likely that you will experience crisis at various times in your life.
So, what are your own experiences with the midlife stage? Also, do you know someone who is going through this stage of life? Are they struggling to cope, or do they see it as a positive time?
If you enjoyed reading this post, and you think others might benefit from reading it, why not email it to a friend or share it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you!
Furthermore, if this has resonated with you and you feel you would benefit from discussing it in a therapeutic setting, contact us now in strict confidence. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! We are here to help.
About The Author
Steven Lucas MBACP MNCS (Prof Accred) is a professional counselling psychotherapist working in Northamptonshire. Read Full Bio.
Other Posts
If you found this page useful, you might also enjoy reading these posts:
Emotional Wellbeing: A Biblical Perspective
How To Start Addressing Relationship Difficulties
Being Positive In Difficult Times
How Can I Get A Better Night’s Sleep?
How Can I Improve My Self Esteem?
Being Assertive And Managing Boundaries
Coping With Symptoms Of Stress, Anxiety And Low Mood
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor so this guide should not be considered a replacement for seeking medical advice. It is also not a substitute for obtaining therapy as other factors, such as trauma, need to be considered. There are pay per click ads on this site for which I may receive a small commission. This helps to pay for the running of the site. I do not endorse any of the products advertised.