Abstract
A gap in knowledge exists in the experiential understanding of midlife which this study intends to address. Using biographical narrative interviews with 14 women in the northeast of England, this working PhD thesis presents preliminary findings which contribute towards knowledge of lived experiences of midlife, specifically regarding vulnerability factors that can impact on psychosocial wellbeing. A multi-layered approach will be taken in understanding mental wellbeing and health in women that seeks to understand the multiple factors that shape people’s lives, placing individual and family development in cultural and historical contexts and which acknowledges the impact of time of place. Biopsychosocial aspects of health are also inherent to a lifecourse approach and what it means to experience midlife in the current social context, considering significant social change as well as the persistence of inequalities and how these impact upon wellbeing. The dominant cultural narrative provided for women at midlife is either medical and menopause oriented or socially devaluing, (e.g., “empty nest”). Without alternative images these demoralizing cultural stereotypes can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Scholars have reported that mental distress tends to reach a maximum in middle age - influences include income, education, and marriage. Hence, this study addresses this gap in knowledge which is often dismissed as hormonal and treated with anti-depressant or hormone replacement medication, rather than the psychosocial focus. Recommendations are also made for positive adaptation for the midlife stage for women moving forward.
Presenters
Jacqueline MerchantSenior Lecturer in Social Policy, Faculty of Education and Society, School of Social Sciences, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
WOMEN'S LIVED EXPERIENCE OF MIDLIFE, PSYCHOSOCIAL UNDERSTANDING, BIOGRAPHICAL NARRATIVE, LIFECOURSE
