Balancing losses and growth: a relational perspective on identity formation in the second half of life

Psychoanalysis has so far only to a limited extent examined specifically grown-up and mature organizations of the self. The Freudian contributions mainly examine the impact of losses on the second half of life. The Eriksonian approaches put greater emphasis of possible gains and adaptation, while less attention is paid to inner, subjective life. In contrast, the Jungian and transpersonal views emphasize possible increase in inner freedom and a more relativistic, holistic, and possibly spiritual or "worldcentric" view on existence. Within a relational psychoanalytic perspective on identity formation in the second half of life, these possible changes may be described as a mature widening of potential space, using Winnicott's terms. Relationships also may be more based on "being" than "doing." A perspective incorporating potentials for increased experiential depth and creativity must include attention to actual losses and suffering, conflicts involved in letting go of certain ambitions, and lifelong themes that may be actualized.