Transformations of Life Structure and Personal Paradigm During the Midlife Transition

Abstract

In this exploratory study, data were collected from 64 men and women experiencing midlife transitions. Transformations of life structure during the phases of midlife transition were noted. Some changes (degree of conflict, temporariness, and fulfillment potential) were best accounted for by the act of progressing through the steps of this major transition in life; other changes in life structure (complexity, flexibility, and self-determination) were better accounted for by an internal process of paradigm shifting.

Individuals’ Life Structures in the Early Adulthood Period based on Levinson’s Theory

“…The form, based on Levinson's (1978;1986; theory of life structure, was created by the researchers. In addition, questions in similar qualitative studies (Carpenter & Patterson, 2004;Gordon et al, 2002;Rickards, 2005;Robinson & Smith, 2010;Smithson, 2011;Stumpf, 2012;Wolfe et al, 1990) were examined when creating the current form. The first section on the form consists of eight questions about gender, age, profession, etc.…”

“…Carpenter (1992) determined differences based on individual life structure and experiences in defining the leisure time in adulthood. Wolfe, O'Connor, and Crary (1990) found the life structure transformations in a study with 64 males and females in mid-age transition. They revealed that the dimensions of potential realization, degree of conflict, and transience were in a central position.…”

“…They revealed that the dimensions of potential realization, degree of conflict, and transience were in a central position. In addition to those mentioned above, the researchers (Wolfe et al, 1990) determined that flexibility, complexity, and ability to make decisions independently, as changes in the life structure, contributed more in questioning the life. Gordon, Beatty, and Whelan-Berry (2002) found, in their study with adult females in the period of structure change, that internal and external organizations were needed based on the variables of home, work, and family.…”

The Mid‐life Transition to Lesbian: Expanding Consciousness of Women

“…The theories above show that making a sexual preference change requires both a cognitive and a cultural change which includes a shift in previous belief systems. Wolfe, O'Connor, and Crary (1990) found that many people experience a paradigm shift in varying degrees at certain points in their lives. They define "paradigm" as the underlying set of assumptions, feelings, values and expectations that a person holds.…”

“…I define a life crisis as a significant event in a woman's life. The crisis could be the impetus for a woman experiencing the paradigm shift that Wolfe, O'Connor and Crary (1990) talked about. In other words, it could be the reason she began to question the direction and flow of her life.…”