Final answer:
Middle adulthood spans from the mid-30s to the mid-60s and is marked by both physical signs of aging and achievements like career success and family growth. It can bring added stress and health concerns, but also increased self-esteem and a shift in focus towards generativity over stagnation. This life stage emphasizes the balance of dealing with life changes, mentoring others, and contributing to society.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Barrett (2005), the transition into middle adulthood can be characterized by various psychological and social changes. This life stage, lasting from the mid-30s to the mid-60s, is often associated with signs of aging such as graying hair, wrinkles, and increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Simultaneously, it's a period of significant achievement as many individuals reach their career peaks and witness their children becoming independent.
Psychologically, middle adulthood may bring about increased stress and anxiety due to life transitions and health concerns, but it can also lead to greater self-confidence and self-esteem as individuals have accrued life experiences and skills. Additionally, there may be a decreased concern for personal identity as people become more comfortable with who they are. However, resistance to life changes can be minimized as individuals actively engage in generativity, focusing on mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to the growth of others versus stagnation, which leads to diminished productivity and self-improvement.