Based on attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) theorizes that attachment styles influence marital quality. Although research supports this relationship among young couples, no research has examined attachment styles and marital quality in midlife marriages. We examined this issue using data from 429 married people between the ages…

Examined prevalence of midlife transition and role of midlife crisis in divorce etiology among 28 divorce support group participants. Findings support reality of midlife transition for most participants and salience of midlife crisis as factor in divorce. Subjects were significantly more likely to perceive spouse's, rather than their own, midlife…

Provides a brief overview of the theoretical perspectives of the midlife stage of adult development, with selected implications for the disabled. Suggests a model for the midlife issues that usually have an impact on the individual and identifies implications for vocational rehabilitation intervention. (Author/BL)

Reviews adult life-cycle research, particularly the stages outlined in Levinson's "Seasons of a Man's Life," as a framework for anticipating transitional life plateaus and identifying obstacles to career development. (SK)

Human resource development professionals must help workers realistically assess their options and plan for retirement well in advance. To do this they need to be aware of the ramifications of corporate trends in retirement policies. (JOW)

The purpose of this article is to present a brief, informative view of the impact of menopause along with implications for mental health counselors. Menopause and associated stages are defined; symptoms associated with these stages are discussed; the benefits, risks, and consequences of hormone replacement therapy are considered; and…

Literature was reviewed on constraints on leisure time choices and on serious leisure (continuous engagement in an activity, which becomes a leisure "career"). Insights include the following: (1) constraints are not necessarily insurmountable but may be negotiated; (2) responses to constraints are not necessarily passive; and (3)…

Since hobbies and recreational activities don't generate the intellectual satisfaction and adrenaline flow of a successful and challenging career, principals need to develop new midlife careers to replace some of the emotional supports that slip away after retirement. This article offers helpful advice on avoiding retirement pitfalls and pursuing…

The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe midlife transition, spirituality, and healing of relationships for members of women's spirituality groups. Ten women completed the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (R. Paloutzian & C. Ellison, 1982) and a 45-minute interview about spirituality, religion, life transitions, relationships, and…

The study was conducted in response to the need for an increased understanding of the aging experiences of women transitioning midlife. The purpose of the research was to explore the personal understanding of the changes that occur during the midlife period. A qualitative case study was implemented to ascertain how women of the Latter-day Saint…

Many teachers and human service workers are 40-50 years of age and this paper explores the formative influences, and the developmental characteristics, of workers who are presently middle-aged. This leads onto an examination of the importance of relationships and work to mid-lifers. In the concluding section of the paper, there is some…

Using a nationwide sample of 2656 eighteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds, the first part of the present study addressed the question of how non-traditional as compared to traditional living arrangements related to young people's self-perception of being either adolescent or adult. Being in a romantic relationship increased the likelihood of feeling…

Discussions with 11 retired nurses and 8 in the preretirement phase revealed concerns about adequate finances and timing of retirement, anticipation of increased discretionary time, sadness over loss of collegial relationships, and a variety of strategies for coping with the transition. (SK)

An effective midlife career change is challenging to bring about successfully. Identity and its relationship to work are key factors. A three-point plan to a successful career change includes the following: know thyself, consult trusted advisors, and think big. (JOW)

Descriptive and empirical literature on group work for adult midlife career change is reviewed. Discussion and recommendations for career programs and for groups are provided. (Author/TE)