DevPsych - Ch 16

What is the age range for middle adulthood?

40–65 years.

What is a key characteristic of middle adulthood in terms of roles?

Holding multiple roles (parent, spouse, worker, caregiver, grandparent).

What is the "empty nest"?

The transition when the youngest child leaves home.

Is the "midlife crisis" a universal experience?

No; only 10–20% report a midlife crisis, and it is influenced by personal history and life events.

What is Erikson's stage for middle adulthood?

Generativity vs. Stagnation.

What is generativity?

Concern for future generations and giving back through parenting, mentoring, or volunteering.

What is stagnation?

Self-absorption and lack of growth or contribution.

Does generativity increase or decrease in midlife?

It increases from the 30s through the 60s.

How does generativity differ by gender?

Men's generativity is more linked to having children; women's is not as tied to parenthood.

What did Levinson study in his "Seasons of Life" theory?

Life structure—the organization of one's life in relationships, work, and family.

What key transition occurs around age 40–45 according to Levinson?

Re-evaluating the "dream" from early adulthood and adjusting one's life structure.

How does the search for meaning relate to well-being in midlife?

Searching for meaning is linked to anxiety, but finding meaning is linked to well-being.

What often triggers meaning-making in midlife?

Milestone birthdays (e.g., turning 40 or 50).

How does sexual activity change in midlife?

Frequency declines modestly, but satisfaction remains high.

What are the main predictors of sexual activity in midlife?

Health and having a partner.

What is a common sexual change for women after menopause?

Vaginal dryness and varied interest.

What is a common sexual change for men in midlife?

Increased erectile dysfunction (ED), linked to cardiovascular health.

What happens to "possible selves" in middle adulthood?

They become more realistic and modest.

How does self-esteem change in midlife?

It increases through midlife and peaks around age 60.

What is subjective age?

Feeling younger than one's chronological age; the gap widens with age.

What is subjective age linked to?

Better health, cognition, well-being, and longevity.

When does perceived control (self-efficacy) peak?

In midlife, then declines in late adulthood.

Who tends to report higher perceived control?

Men and higher-SES adults.

What is gender convergence?

Men adopt more expressive traits, and women adopt more instrumental traits in midlife.

What is androgyny?

Blending of masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits.

What is the shape of the well-being curve across adulthood?

A U-shaped curve, dipping in the mid-40s and rising afterward.

What are the Big 5 personality traits?

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism.

Which Big 5 traits increase in midlife?

Conscientiousness and Agreeableness.

Which Big 5 traits decrease in midlife?

Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness.

What is rank-order stability in personality?

Individuals maintain their relative position compared to peers over time.

What does high conscientiousness predict?

Better health and longevity.

What does high neuroticism predict?

Poorer health and more divorce.

How do friendships change in midlife?

Fewer friends, but closer and more supportive friendships.

How does marital satisfaction change in midlife?

It increases due to less child-rearing stress and better communication.

Which type of marital relationship is most satisfying in midlife?

Egalitarian relationships.

Who is more emotionally reactive to marital conflict?

Women.

What is a common economic consequence of divorce for women?

Greater economic loss compared to men.

How do older parents (40s–50s) benefit their children?

More financial security, maturity, and patience.

Which parenting stage has the lowest satisfaction?

Parents of adolescents.

What is the average age of becoming a grandparent?

Women around 49, men around 52.

Who is more involved in grandparenting?

Grandmothers.

What is the "sandwich generation"?

Adults who support both their adult children and aging parents (about 30% of middle-aged adults).

Who is more likely to be a caregiver in the sandwich generation?

Women.

What is familism?

A cultural value emphasizing family obligation, common in Latinx and Asian cultures.

What is a key takeaway about midlife crises?

They are not typical; most adults experience stability and increased satisfaction.

What is a key relationship trend in midlife?

Relationships evolve with spouses, children, parents, and grandchildren.

How stable is personality in midlife?

Largely stable, with gradual maturation.

What shapes the midlife experience besides age?

Culture, gender, SES, and race.