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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
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Published on: May 31, 2021

Midlife crisis: a debate.

Alexandra M Freund1, Johannes O Ritter

  • 1University of Zurich, Department of Psychology, Zurich, Switzerland. freund@psychologie.uzh.ch

Gerontology
|July 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The popular midlife crisis concept is critically examined. Evidence suggests strict or moderate definitions are untenable, but a lenient view may offer new research avenues into personal goals and social expectations.

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Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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06:42

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Published on: September 28, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Developmental Science

Background:

  • The midlife crisis is a widely recognized concept in middle adulthood.
  • It often involves men reviewing achievements and considering drastic life changes.
  • Societal expectations and personal goals may influence this period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the concept of the midlife crisis.
  • To examine empirical evidence supporting various conceptualizations.
  • To explore the potential of a lenient definition for future research.

Main Methods:

  • Critical discussion of the midlife crisis concept.
  • Review of relevant empirical evidence.
  • Analysis of arguments for and against different definitions.

Main Results:

  • Strict and moderate definitions of the midlife crisis lack empirical and theoretical support.
  • A lenient conceptualization shows potential for novel research.
  • The interaction between social expectations and personal goals is highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • The traditional midlife crisis concept, especially strict definitions, is not empirically supported.
  • A more lenient approach to the midlife crisis can foster research on developmental regulation.
  • Understanding the interplay of social factors and personal aspirations is key for middle adulthood research.