Abstract

There is a growing body of scientific knowledge regarding development during the middle years which has so far been relegated to discipline-specific texts and journals (e.g., clinical psychology and endocrinology).

Life in the Middle consolidates main findings across disciplines, with a life-span perspective regarding mid-life. Coverage includes individual development in middle age from the psychological and biological perspectives as well as the sociocultural context in which middle-aged individuals live and work, including physical health in mid-life, psychological well-being, cognitive development, the impact of work on the individual, and the general development of the "self." This age period is increasingly becoming the focus of scholarly attention as the largest cohort in U.S. history are now moving into the middle years (e.g., the "babyboomers"). From 1990 to 2015 the number of middle-aged people will increase 72 percent from 47 to 80 million.

• Contributors are outstanding scholars in the field of adult development
• Addresses critical theoretical issues in midlife
• Includes important contributions to our understanding of physical health at midlife
• Presents a thorough review of women's health at midlife
• Takes a holistic approach to biopsychosocial functioning at midlife

"This volume helps fill the need for literature and research related to adult development (roughly ages 40-64)...All of the selections emphasize a contextual approach to understanding the diversity of middle development--the complex interplay of bio-psycho-social-cultural factors. Academic (upper-division undergraduate and up) and lay readers alike should find this readable volume interesting and useful. It could easily serve as a primary or secondary text in a specialized course." --CHOICE, 1999

"Willis and Reid deserve praise for creating a book that... meets... the worthy goals they set for themselves." --CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGY, 2000