LEVINSON'S THEORY

Male Development

• Important translation periods at ages 30,40,50, and 60 that can last up to 5 years

Ages 22-28

• Considered by themselfes and society
• Not a man quite yet but they are no longer an adolescent
• When they start to realize they need a 'stable life'

Age 30

• "Age 30 Crisis"
• Turning point
• Start to ask a lot of questions
• Second adult life structure known as 'Making It Out'

Ages 36-40

• 'Boom Phase'
• Settling down period
• Becoming fully independent

Ages 40-50

• 'Midlife Transition'
• Adulthood is achieved
• Fustration and unhappiness
• Starting to question the past as well as future

Female Development

• More acepting
• Feel like they have more freedom

Midlife

• Married women may be facing fewer demands as a mother
• Could be renentering work force, going back to collage
• Not a crisis, its a time for opportuniyies

The "Empty Nest" Syndrome

• The departure from home of the last child
• Most of the time is not traumatic
• They focous on new intrest and activities
• Can be painful if alone, not in a stable relationship, or if the woman is widowed

Depression in Midlife

• Deppression is more common in midlife
• Experience a sense of loss and personal worthlessness caused by change as children grow, parents die, or marriages fail
• Menopause can also trigger depression
• Sometimes women acept this time of life
• Their work enviorment can help their selfesteem
• During their 50's they realize they can focus more on there marriage