topic 10
Middle Adulthood
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Critical Thinking Questions Some of the factors
involved in midlife affect both men and women, for example, physical changes related to aging. Individuals of both genders may begin to struggle with metabolic rate changes resulting in weight gain, as well as undergoing changes in
their sexual functioning. Recently, it has been suggested that men undergo a sort of male menopause. The articles below address this and related issues.
Read the following
articles and answer these questions: What are the most common effects of midlife according to the authors of these articles? Do the authors provide persuasive arguments for similar changes at midlife for men and women? What
differences between male and female midlife experiences do you note? What explanations, if any, are offered for any differences? Can you suggest a couple of possible research questions on this topic?
"Fine-tuning your body for middle-aged metabolism." Environmental Nutrition, Dec 1997 v20 n12 p3(1). "For brothers only: From boys to men to menopause."(men experience the equivalent of menopause between
the ages 40 and 55) Kevin Chappell. Ebony, April 1998 v53 n6 p146(1). "Women at midlife." (success in midlife transformation) Sharon McQuaide. Social Work, Jan 1998 v43 n1 p21(11).
Research Question The term "sandwich generation" has been used to
describe adults who in middle age are caring for children (who have left home and returned, or perhaps because of delayed child-bearing have not yet left home) and for elderly parents. What are the consequences of being a member of
the "sandwiched" mid-life generation?
The following research reports on one aspect of this question. After reading the article, answer the following questions: How was
marital quality measured in this study? How was caring for children and parents measured? What are the main strengths and weaknesses of this study? What other research methods might be used to answer the research question? "Sandwiched marriages: the implications of child and parent relations for marital quality in midlife." Russell A. Ward and Glenna Spitze. Social Forces, Dec 1998 v77 i2 p647(2).
Suggested Readings from Infotrac College Edition "Women just
want to have fun." (midlife career crisis among women executives) Laurie Joan Aron. Across the Board, May 1998 v35 n5 p12(2). This article is a commentary on career changes of women in midlife and the factors contributing
to this apparent trend.
"Temperament types: midlife death concerns, demographics and intensity of crisis." Shirley A. Waskel. The Journal of Psychology, March
1995 v129 n2 p221(13). An examination of reported midlife crisis events and concerns among middle-aged individuals grouped according to personality type (using a Myers-Briggs type temperament sorter).
"The Manley Arts: Midlife crisis." Will Manley. Booklist, March 1, 1999 v95 i13 p1130(1). A personal commentary discussing many of the life-stage events that have contributed to the term "midlife crisis "Women who give birth in their 40s likely to have long lives." Jet, Sep 29, 1997 v92 n19 p24(2). A report on research revealing that women who have given birth (without aid of fertility treatments) are
much more likely to live to be 100. "The top 40." (why women should celebrate turning 40)(Column) Laura B. Randolph. Ebony, August 1997 v52 n10 p19(1). It is suggested that rather than lament turning another
year older women have much to celebrate, such as having a more stable sense of self and less reliance on the opinions of others. "The rhythm of work: health effects on women's health dynamics." Eliza K. Pavalko
and Brad Smith. Social Forces, March 1999 v77 i3 p1141(2). A discussion of the role of employment in women's lives and how this affects their physical well-being. "Risk of fetal death among women over age
35." (tips from other journals) Anne D. Walling. American Family Physician, March 1997 v55 n4 p1382(1). This article is a discussion of research revealing a decreased risk of fetal death due to congenital abnormalities in
a modern cohort. Possible reasons for this are reviewed.