Module 4 Part 3: Personality and Relationships
Personality in Mid and Late Adulthood
Mid Adulthood
Stability and Change: Personality traits tend to stabilize, with conscientiousness and agreeableness generally increasing, and neuroticism decreasing.
Generativity vs. Stagnation: Erikson's stage where adults strive to create or nurture things that will outlast them, often through parenting or contributing to positive changes.
Late Adulthood
Integrity vs. Despair: According to Erikson, reflecting on life and feeling a sense of fulfillment leads to integrity, whereas regret leads to despair.
Personality Continuity: Research suggests that personality remains relatively stable, although some traits can change due to significant life events or health issues.
Relationships in Mid and Late Adulthood
Mid Adulthood
Family Dynamics: Often involve caregiving roles for both children and aging parents, which can be stressful but also rewarding.
Social Networks: Typically stable, though friendships may become more selective and based on emotional closeness.
Late Adulthood
Marital Satisfaction: Often increases due to reduced work and parenting pressures.
Social Networks: May shrink but often become more emotionally meaningful and supportive.