We continue to face changes and challenges that affect our psychological makeup throughout our adult lives. While change and development may not be as noticeable as during our younger years, they are no less important. From the age of 25 onwards, our lives take shape as we establish long-term relationships, find a place to call home, and start a family. As we grow older, we develop a career; often starting out as an apprentice before graduating to a full-time position. During these years, the pace of life quickens and the journey becomes longer and more complex.
According to Erikson, this stage is characterized not only by the conflict between feelings of generative or stagnant but also by the conflict between self and others. A mid-life crisis is an archetype of this stage when we realize that we are reaching the end of our productivity phase and that we cannot fulfill our own expectations any longer. At the same time, we may feel dissatisfaction with ourselves because we are no longer younger or able to fulfill roles in society. In the case of retirement, the lack of responsibilities might lead to a feeling of ‘empty nest syndrome’ when children leave. A mid-life crisis often triggers a desire to find new meaning and to change one’s life, however negative events during this time may also trigger depression or other disorders.
