During early and mid adulthood, social development can be affected by a whole range of situations, circumstances and events. These can be broadly divided into two major sectors, namely personal and educational/ professional life experiences.
- Personal Life Experiences
Some of the main positive factors in this area are those of falling in love, marriage, having children and making friends. Later on, having the first grandchildren may add to the joys of life. Moving to a better home or improving any relationship with a partner, friend or relative will also have an effect. Negative factors would include major upsets such as a divorce, moving away from friends or family, major personal injuries or illness and bereavement through the death of a spouse, other relative or a close friend. Falling foul of the law and being imprisoned can also be included in this list.
- Education/ Professional Experiences
Leaps in education, such as moving on to university, graduating from college or studying for an advanced degree will have an effect, as will the outcomes of such ventures. Success or failure can make a whole lot of difference in further social development, as will the choice of career and potential success or failure within it. Promotion, being fired or leaving work to retire will all have some sort of effect on an individual.
The Midlife transition is a point in an adults life, usually somewhere between the ages of 40 to 55, when an adult suddenly stops, looks back and takes stock of their life. At times, this can be a good thing, leading into a wiser attitude. Occasionally, however, this transition develops into what is known as a mid-life crisis. This can be brought on by boredom, outright discontent, or unexpected events making one more aware of one's own mortality.
