Men Affected by Midlife Crisis Have Greater Negative Impact on Relationships

Men and women can both experience a midlife crisis, but men affected by a midlife crisis often have a greater negative impact on their relationships, studies show.

According to author Daniel Levinson in his book “Season’s of a Man’s Life,” a midlife crisis can occur when middle-age men begin to re-evaluate external expectations and internal desires.

Levinson notes many men unquestioningly follow socially proscribed paths toward happiness and fulfillment.

When these men reach middle age, they become more reflective and begin to question their placement in life.

“Men undergoing a midlife crises may hurt their

relationships, including engaging in extramarital affairs.”

This period of life, and this active questioning, may lead men undergoing a midlife crisis to negatively impact their relationships, including engaging in extramarital affairs or otherwise longing for the lack of responsibility they associate with their youth.

Levinson said midlife re-evaluations are nearly universal among men and women and throughout different cultures, but men and their spouses can take certain actions to make sure their crises remain contained and don’t harm their relationships.

Men can reduce their chances of causing real harm to their relationships by using their midlife crisis as an opportunity to take an honest look at their existing life and what sort of life they can realistically, and responsibly, create for their future.

Spouses and romantic partners can evaluate how their expectations have shaped their partner’s life decision and should remain open to changing with their partner to help meet their evolving needs.

Source: PsychCentral.com.