Human Psychological and Physical Development

Topic: Psychology Words: 1236 Pages: 4

Table of Contents

Introduction
Midlife Crisis
Erikson’s Stage of Integrity vs. Despair
Three Health-Related Actions
Sexuality and Love throughout Adulthood
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The average human life is determined by different stages of psychological and physical development, which have distinctive features and problems. In particular, childhood is typically distinguished by exceptional mental and bodily progress, while middle and late adulthood is characterized by psychological stagnation or, in contrast, severe internal conflicts leading to a profound rethinking of life. The purpose of this paper is to address critical questions related to adulthood, including midlife crisis, despair or regret fixation of late adulthood, love and sexuality progress throughout adulthood, and health-related issues.

Midlife Crisis

A midlife crisis is a complex phenomenon defined by the psychological transition of personality, which usually occurs in individuals aged between 40 and 50 years. Usually, it can be caused by various factors, primary of which are concerns produced by approaching old age, diseases, increased risk of mortality, lack of self-realization in life, or unfulfilled dreams (Morin). Besides, this condition can be connected with family-related problems or tragedies, including the death of a close relative, especially parents, difficulties in or the breakdown of a relationship, and the maturation of children. As a result, it causes the feeling of deep anxiety, intense depression, regret or remorse, the desire to return to youthfulness, change past decisions, or make radical and extraordinary decisions in the current life period (Morin). It is worth noting that triggers of midlife crises differ in men and women. While males are more concerned with their career or intimacy issues, that is, a desire to find a younger woman, females’ crisis is mainly caused by rethinking or reassessing their role in the family.

Regarding the existence and problem of a midlife crisis, there are many vigorous debates. In particular, based on interviews with 40 men aged from 35 to 45, Levinson states that midlife transition (40-45) is an integral milestone in people living in which individuals can compare imaginary accomplishments set in early adulthood with actual results of current life (Lumen). According to him, this time is accompanied by a reevaluation of previous commitments and significant striving to make changes in favor of ignored talents.

Nevertheless, this view has been notably criticized for his research method, namely, the presence of cohort effect, limited sample size, and similar ages. For example, Vaillant considers that the cross-sectional design applied in Levinson’s study was the primary cause of faulty conclusion since such type of research requires examination of the entire human life, not only ten years (Lumen). Moreover, the recent 10-year study comprising over 3,000 midlife adult interviews shows that only 23 percent of their respondents experienced a midlife crisis; others have a sense of well-being (Lumen). Thus, it is evident that a midlife crisis is not inevitable in life and more caused by psychological problems and conflicts.

Erikson’s Stage of Integrity vs. Despair

While the majority of developmental theories are inclined to examine childhood events exclusively, Erikson’s theory acknowledges that development occurs in all stages of human life. He also asserts that at each stage of psychosocial development, individuals encounter a crisis or critical that, depending on personal attitude towards it, can lead to positive or adverse outcomes. In this regard, the final integrity versus despair stage implies the acceptance of achievements and the inevitability of death as well as seeking a sense of own life (Lumen). The beginning of this phase is mostly triggered by marked events that lead to a turning point in his or her life, including the loss of a spouse or lifelong friends, retirement or experiencing a terminal disease.

In essence, the acceptance of own achievements results in, according to Erikson, ego integrity characterized by a feeling of self-contentment and a sense of wisdom. On the other hand, when the elderly are not satisfied with their past lives, with results and accomplishments, they tend to feel bitter regret over events and dreams, despair, and even worthlessness. To prevent the sense of hopelessness, individuals primarily should keep a healthy lifestyle and active participation in different social activities and momentous events to feel valued and needed. They can replace lost opportunities with new tasks and targets since self-isolation and disengagement from surrounding life and people can only exacerbate the internal crisis.

Foremost, it is worth noting that these actions should be correlated with both physical and mental health since these two components of the human entity are intimately and directly interconnected. Regarding the health of the body, young adults should actively take part in sports events and physical activities since sports help to prevent many severe illnesses such as stroke, heart attack, obesity, diseases related to the musculoskeletal system, and even cancer. In addition, it has a useful and significant contribution to the management of chronic conditions, including asthma and heart failure. Moreover, sports allow individuals to feel better and motivated, as well as inspire a sense of achievement and self-satisfaction, which positively reflects on their general well-being.

The second action should be connected with beliefs and values since psychological health also plays a substantial role in terms of human well-being. In particular, an individual can practice yoga or begin to follow a religion. Rational beliefs and rules encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle and refrain from bad habits, actions, and deeds. Furthermore, peoples who adhere to a particular religion are more psychologically balanced and resistant to life’s challenges or shocks, which helps them to remain vigorous for a long time. Finally, the third decision should be related to nutrition since without keeping a proper diet, it is impossible to stay healthy even if an individual has a specific religious practice or sports hobby. Although a balanced diet cannot improve people’s health considerably or cure a particular disease, it indeed can prevent many terminal illnesses in middle or late adulthood.

Sexuality and Love throughout Adulthood

Sexuality is an essential component of an individual’s vital activity at any age. Generally, human sexuality is associated with people’s sexual desire and attraction to the opposite sex, together with their ability to have an erotic response, and emotional experience (Lumen). It can be expressed and experienced in various ways, including fantasies, thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, relationships, and values. Moreover, sexuality has a biological aspect, that is, reproduction, emotional aspect via the creation of bonds between individuals, and social aspects. In particular, in early adulthood, especially in the early twenties, individuals tend to experience sexual responsiveness peak characterized by the reaction to sexual imagining or physical stimulation. Gradually, during the thirties, the responsiveness begins to decline, and sexual arousal becomes less intense.

Conclusion

In middle adulthood, although people still stay sexually active, occurring age-related physical changes directly impact on arousal and even reproductive function. For instance, women feel reduced sexual interest and, owing to menopausal changes, can sometimes have pain during vaginal sex (Lumen). Regarding males, they may need additional stimulation for an erection because the erection can become weaker and delayed; some men even face erectile dysfunction. Last, in late adulthood, it is worth noting that despite there are stereotypes concerning elderly individuals’ sexual activity, many older couples manage to feel more considerable physical and emotional satisfaction. It is because they have more time for intimacy, fewer distractions, and no concern about getting pregnant. However, Sexual Problems become more significant due to the overall aging of the organism and diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and heart disease (Lumen). Besides, physical disabilities, Hormonal changes, and medicines can also influence an elderly’s capacity to have sex.