The Identification of the Challenges and Developmental Tasks of Middle and Old age People: A Hermeneutic Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Family Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, I.R. Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, I.R. Iran

Abstract

Middle and old age are two of the most important periods in human life, and people in this period face some physical, sexual and mental disabilities. Due to the increasing population of the middle and old age people in Iran, paying attention to this important period seems necessary. Therefore, the present study was to identify the lived experiences of middle and old age married people. To this end, 16 participants (based on the principle of data saturation) were selected by purposive sampling method among the middle and old age people living in Tehran. Participants were interviewed using semi-structured in-depth interviews to identify their lived experiences. Finally, the interviews were analyzed using the Van Mannen method (interpretive phenomenological approach). Findings were divided into two categories: “challenges” and “developmental tasks”. The main themes in the challenges section were “concerns about family’s future”, “spouse relationship”, “individual challenges”, and “taking new roles by spouses”. The main themes obtained in developmental tasks included “developmental tasks focused on children”, and “developmental tasks focused on couples”. As a result, it can be concluded that the challenges and developmental tasks middle and old age people facing appear to be more focused on family and relationship. Applying the results of the present study, experts can design educational packages based on the challenges and developmental tasks these people facing in their lives, in order to increase the quality of life in middle and old age people. Besides, therapists working in the field of the elderly can take advantages of the findings of the present study to lead the process of therapeutic sessions.
References
Afshari, A., & Hashemi, Z. (2019). The relationship between religious rxposure and psychological well-being with loneliness in the elderly. Journal of Aging Psychology, 5(1), 65-75. [Persian]
Askari, Z., Tahan, M., & Ahangari, E. (2019) The effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment to quality of life in elderly people with nasal Syndrome. Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, 26(5), 584-591. [Persian]
Azizi, M., Fooladi, E., Bell, R. J., Elyasi, F., Masoumi, M., & Davis, S. R. (2019). Depressive symptoms and associated factors among Iranian women at midlife: a community-based, cross-sectional study. Menopause, 26(10), 1125-1132.
Bagheri-Nesami, M., Sohrabi, M., Ebrahimi, M.J., Heidari-Fard, J., Yanj, J., & Golchinmehr, S. (2013). The Relationship between Life Satisfaction with Social Support and Self-efficacy in Community-dwelling Elderly in Sari, Iran, 2012. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 23(101), 38-47. [Persian]
Bouchard, G. (2014). How do parents react when their children leave home? An integrative review. Journal of Adult Development, 21(2), 69-79.
Bougea, A., Despoti, A., & Vasilopoulos, E. (2019). Empty-nest-related psychosocial stress: Conceptual issues, future directions in economic crisis. Psychiatrike, 30(4), 329-338.
Carpenter, L. M., Nathanson, C. A., & Kim, Y. J. (2006). Sex after 40: Gender, ageism, and sexual partnering in midlife. Journal of Aging Studies, 20(2), 93-106.
Carter, B. E., & McGoldrick, M. E. (1988). The changing family life cycle: A Framework for Family Therapy. Gardner Press.
      Cheraghi, M., Mazaheri, M. A., Mootabi, F., Panaghi, L., & Sadeghi, M. S. (2015) The Relationship with In-laws Comparison in two Groups of Satisfied and Dissatisfied People of that Relationship. Journal of Family Research, 10(4), 451-474. [Persian]         
Dahl, C. M., & Dahl, K. (2013). The Really, Really Empty Nest: Single Parents Launching Only Children. Word & World, 33(1), 21-29.
Datta, P., Poortinga, Y. H., & Marcoen, A. (2003). Parent care by Indian and Belgian caregivers in their roles of daughter/daughter-in-law. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 34(6), 736-749.
Delpisheh, A., Mansourian, M., Rastgarimehr, B., Shokohi Ardebili, S., Babanejad, M., Qorbani, M., Shafieyan, Z., Rezapoor, A. (2014). The evaluation of health and soci economic statues of elderly people in Ilam province in 2011. Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism (Elderly Health Research Center, Special Issue), 13(6), 495-504. [Persian] 
Ebrahimi Ghiya Gheshlagh, F., Zadeh Mohammadi, A., Panaghi, L. (2019). Effectiveness of unity oriented psychology based training on loneliness and death anxiety among women at empty nest stage. Journal of Aging Psychology, 5(4), 275-288. [Persian]
Erickson, J. J., Martinengo, G., & Hill, E. J. (2010). Putting work and family experiences in context: Differences by family life stage. Human Relations, 63(7), 955-979.
Glenn, N. D. (1991). The recent trend in marital success in the United States. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 53(2), 261-270.
Gorchoff, S. M., John, O. P., & Helson, R. (2008). Contextualizing change in marital satisfaction during middle age: An 18-year longitudinal study. Psychological Science, 19(11), 1194-1200.
Hahn, E. A., Cichy, K. E., Small, B. J., & Almeida, D. M. (2014). Daily emotional and physical reactivity to stressors among widowed and married older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 69(1), 19-28.
Hiedemann, B. Suhomlinova O., & O’Rand A. M. (1998). Economic independence, economic status, and empty nest in midlife marital disruption. Journal of Marriage and Family, 60(2), 219-231.
Hsiao, Y. L. (2017). Longitudinal changes in marital satisfaction during middle age in Taiwan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 20(1), 22-32.
Huang, G., Duan, Y., Guo, F., & Chen, G. (2020). Prevalence and related influencing factors of depression symptoms among empty-nest older adults in China. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 91, Article 104183.
Huang, L.-j., Du, W.-t., Liu, Y.-c., Guo, L.-n., Zhang, J.-j., Qin, M.-m., & Liu, K. (2019). Loneliness, stress, and depressive symptoms among the Chinese rural empty nest elderly: A moderated mediation analysis. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40(1), 73-78.
Kaldi, A., Akbari Kamrani, A.A., Foroghan, M. Physical, Social & Mental Problems of Elderly in District 13 of Tehran. (2005). Refahj, 4 (14), 233-249. [Persian]
Li, M., Luo, Y., & Li, P. (2021). Intergenerational Solidarity and Life Satisfaction among Empty-nest Older Adults in Rural China: Does Distance Matter? Journal of Family Issues42(3), 626-649.
Li, X.-D., Cao, H.-J., Xie, S.-Y., Li, K.-C., Liu, K.-Y., Tao, F.-B., & Yang, L.-S. (2021). Urban-rural differences in the effect of empty-nest on mental health and behaviors of Chinese older population. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 1(26), 1-13.
Li, X., Xiao, Z., & Xiao, S. (2009). Suicide among the elderly in mainland China. Psychogeriatrics9(2), 62-66.
Mackey, R. A., & O'Brien, B. A. (1999). Adaptation in lasting marriages. Families in Society, 80(6), 587-596.
McGoldrick, M., & Carter, E. A. (1982). The family life cycle. Normal family processes. In Normal Family Processes. Guilford Press.
  Mitchell, B. A., & Wister, A. V. (2015). Midlife challenge or welcome departure? Cultural and family-related expectations of empty nest transitions. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 81(4), 260-280.
Nagy, M. E., & Theiss, J. A. (2013). Applying the relational turbulence model to the empty-nest transition: Sources of relationship change, relational uncertainty, and interference from partners. Journal of Family Communication, 13(4), 280-300.
Papp, L. M. (2018). Topics of marital conflict in the everyday lives of empty nest couples and their implications for conflict resolution. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 17(1), 7-24. Retrieved from http: // www. Who. int. April 11, 2019.
Parsa, P., Rezapur-Shahkolai, F., Araghchian, M., Afshari, M., Moradi, A. (2017). Medical procedure problems from the viewpoint of elderly referrals to healthcare centers of Hamedan: a qualitative study.. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 12(2), 146-155. [Persian]
Rohani, M., Dehdari, T., Hosseinyrad, M., Alaei, M., (2019). The Frequency of domestic elder abuse in Tehran city, Iran, in 2018. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14 (3), 368-379. [Persian]
Sadeghu, R. (2009). Population and development in Iran: Dimensions and challenges. Tehran: National Population Studies & Comprehensive Management Institute.
Shen, C., & Chen, T. (2004). A study of the relationship between family life cycle and marital satisfaction. Social Policy & Social Work, 8(1), 133-170.
Sheriff, M., & Weatherall, A. (2009). A feminist discourse analysis of popular-press accounts of postmaternity. Feminism & Psychology, 19(1), 89-108.
Solomon, M. A. (1973). A developmental, conceptual premise for family therapy. Family Process12(2), 179-188.
Tufford, L., & Newman, P. (2012). Bracketing in qualitative research. Qualitative Social Work, 11(1), 80-96.
Vahedi Kojanagh, H., Afshari, A., Rezaei Malajagh, R., Eghbali, A. (2020). The Prediction of the elderly’s life satisfaction based on health-promoting lifestyle. Aging Psychology, 6(3), 285-297. [Persian]
VanLaningham, J., Johnson, D. R., & Amato, P. (2001). Marital happiness, marital duration, and the U-shaped curve: Evidence from a five-wave panel study. Social Forces, 79(4), 1313-1341.
Wang, G., Hu, M., Xiao, S.-y., & Zhou, L. (2017). Loneliness and depression among rural empty-nest elderly adults in Liuyang, China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 7(10), Article e016091
Wang, L., Shentu, Q., Xu, B., & Liang, Y. (2020). The prevalence of anxiety on the empty-nest elders in China. Journal of Health Psychology25(2), 152-160.
Wang, Z., Shu, D., Dong, B., Luo, L., & Hao, Q. (2013). Anxiety disorders and its risk factors among the Sichuan empty-nest older adults: A cross-sectional study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics56(2), 298-302.
Wang, J.-W. (2002). The reason and myth of education fanaticism: a historical review. Indigenous Psychological Research in Chinese Societies, 17(1), 3-66.
Whiteman, S. D., McHale, S. M., & Crouter, A. C. (2007). Longitudinal changes in marital relationships: The role of offspring’s pubertal development. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(4), 1005-1020.
Willig, C. (2007). Reflections on the use of a phenomenological method. Qualitative Research in Psychology4(3), 209-225.
Wu, T.-F., Yeh, K.-H., Cross, S. E., Larson, L. M., Wang, Y.-C., & Tsai, Y.-L. (2010). Conflict with mothers-in-law and Taiwanese women’s marital satisfaction: The moderating role of husband support. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(4), 497-522.
Van Manen, M. (2017). Phenomenology in its original sense. Qualitative Health Research27(6), 810-825.
 Yi, C. (1991). Some Findings on Marital Adjustments in the Taipei Metropolitan Area. Proceedings of the National Science Council: Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(2), 151-173.
Zarei, H., Abolfathi Momtaz, Y., Sahaf, R., & Mehdi, M. (2019). Marital Satisfaction Among Older Adults Who Married in Old Age in Sanandaj in 2016. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14(1), 14-25.
Zhang, H.-H., Jiang, Y.-Y., Rao, W.-W., Zhang, Q.-E., Qin, M.-Z., Ng, C. H., Ungvari, GS., Xiang, Y.-T. (2020). Prevalence of depression among empty-nest elderly in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11 (1), 608-621.
Zhang, Y. (2020). Are Empty-Nest Elders Unhappy? Re-examining chinese empty-nest elders’ subjective well-being considering social changes. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1), 885-901.

Keywords


References
Afshari, A., & Hashemi, Z. (2019). The relationship between religious rxposure and psychological well-being with loneliness in the elderly. Journal of Aging Psychology, 5(1), 65-75. [Persian]
Askari, Z., Tahan, M., & Ahangari, E. (2019) The effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment to quality of life in elderly people with nasal Syndrome. Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, 26(5), 584-591. [Persian]
Azizi, M., Fooladi, E., Bell, R. J., Elyasi, F., Masoumi, M., & Davis, S. R. (2019). Depressive symptoms and associated factors among Iranian women at midlife: a community-based, cross-sectional study. Menopause, 26(10), 1125-1132.
Bagheri-Nesami, M., Sohrabi, M., Ebrahimi, M.J., Heidari-Fard, J., Yanj, J., & Golchinmehr, S. (2013). The Relationship between Life Satisfaction with Social Support and Self-efficacy in Community-dwelling Elderly in Sari, Iran, 2012. Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 23(101), 38-47. [Persian]
Bouchard, G. (2014). How do parents react when their children leave home? An integrative review. Journal of Adult Development, 21(2), 69-79.
Bougea, A., Despoti, A., & Vasilopoulos, E. (2019). Empty-nest-related psychosocial stress: Conceptual issues, future directions in economic crisis. Psychiatrike, 30(4), 329-338.
Carpenter, L. M., Nathanson, C. A., & Kim, Y. J. (2006). Sex after 40: Gender, ageism, and sexual partnering in midlife. Journal of Aging Studies, 20(2), 93-106.
Carter, B. E., & McGoldrick, M. E. (1988). The changing family life cycle: A Framework for Family Therapy. Gardner Press.
      Cheraghi, M., Mazaheri, M. A., Mootabi, F., Panaghi, L., & Sadeghi, M. S. (2015) The Relationship with In-laws Comparison in two Groups of Satisfied and Dissatisfied People of that Relationship. Journal of Family Research, 10(4), 451-474. [Persian]         
Dahl, C. M., & Dahl, K. (2013). The Really, Really Empty Nest: Single Parents Launching Only Children. Word & World, 33(1), 21-29.
Datta, P., Poortinga, Y. H., & Marcoen, A. (2003). Parent care by Indian and Belgian caregivers in their roles of daughter/daughter-in-law. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 34(6), 736-749.
Delpisheh, A., Mansourian, M., Rastgarimehr, B., Shokohi Ardebili, S., Babanejad, M., Qorbani, M., Shafieyan, Z., Rezapoor, A. (2014). The evaluation of health and soci economic statues of elderly people in Ilam province in 2011. Iranian Journal of Diabetes and Metabolism (Elderly Health Research Center, Special Issue), 13(6), 495-504. [Persian] 
Ebrahimi Ghiya Gheshlagh, F., Zadeh Mohammadi, A., Panaghi, L. (2019). Effectiveness of unity oriented psychology based training on loneliness and death anxiety among women at empty nest stage. Journal of Aging Psychology, 5(4), 275-288. [Persian]
Erickson, J. J., Martinengo, G., & Hill, E. J. (2010). Putting work and family experiences in context: Differences by family life stage. Human Relations, 63(7), 955-979.
Glenn, N. D. (1991). The recent trend in marital success in the United States. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 53(2), 261-270.
Gorchoff, S. M., John, O. P., & Helson, R. (2008). Contextualizing change in marital satisfaction during middle age: An 18-year longitudinal study. Psychological Science, 19(11), 1194-1200.
Hahn, E. A., Cichy, K. E., Small, B. J., & Almeida, D. M. (2014). Daily emotional and physical reactivity to stressors among widowed and married older adults. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 69(1), 19-28.
Hiedemann, B. Suhomlinova O., & O’Rand A. M. (1998). Economic independence, economic status, and empty nest in midlife marital disruption. Journal of Marriage and Family, 60(2), 219-231.
Hsiao, Y. L. (2017). Longitudinal changes in marital satisfaction during middle age in Taiwan. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 20(1), 22-32.
Huang, G., Duan, Y., Guo, F., & Chen, G. (2020). Prevalence and related influencing factors of depression symptoms among empty-nest older adults in China. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 91, Article 104183.
Huang, L.-j., Du, W.-t., Liu, Y.-c., Guo, L.-n., Zhang, J.-j., Qin, M.-m., & Liu, K. (2019). Loneliness, stress, and depressive symptoms among the Chinese rural empty nest elderly: A moderated mediation analysis. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 40(1), 73-78.
Kaldi, A., Akbari Kamrani, A.A., Foroghan, M. Physical, Social & Mental Problems of Elderly in District 13 of Tehran. (2005). Refahj, 4 (14), 233-249. [Persian]
Li, M., Luo, Y., & Li, P. (2021). Intergenerational Solidarity and Life Satisfaction among Empty-nest Older Adults in Rural China: Does Distance Matter? Journal of Family Issues42(3), 626-649.
Li, X.-D., Cao, H.-J., Xie, S.-Y., Li, K.-C., Liu, K.-Y., Tao, F.-B., & Yang, L.-S. (2021). Urban-rural differences in the effect of empty-nest on mental health and behaviors of Chinese older population. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 1(26), 1-13.
Li, X., Xiao, Z., & Xiao, S. (2009). Suicide among the elderly in mainland China. Psychogeriatrics9(2), 62-66.
Mackey, R. A., & O'Brien, B. A. (1999). Adaptation in lasting marriages. Families in Society, 80(6), 587-596.
McGoldrick, M., & Carter, E. A. (1982). The family life cycle. Normal family processes. In Normal Family Processes. Guilford Press.
  Mitchell, B. A., & Wister, A. V. (2015). Midlife challenge or welcome departure? Cultural and family-related expectations of empty nest transitions. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 81(4), 260-280.
Nagy, M. E., & Theiss, J. A. (2013). Applying the relational turbulence model to the empty-nest transition: Sources of relationship change, relational uncertainty, and interference from partners. Journal of Family Communication, 13(4), 280-300.
Papp, L. M. (2018). Topics of marital conflict in the everyday lives of empty nest couples and their implications for conflict resolution. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 17(1), 7-24. Retrieved from http: // www. Who. int. April 11, 2019.
Parsa, P., Rezapur-Shahkolai, F., Araghchian, M., Afshari, M., Moradi, A. (2017). Medical procedure problems from the viewpoint of elderly referrals to healthcare centers of Hamedan: a qualitative study.. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 12(2), 146-155. [Persian]
Rohani, M., Dehdari, T., Hosseinyrad, M., Alaei, M., (2019). The Frequency of domestic elder abuse in Tehran city, Iran, in 2018. Salmand: Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14 (3), 368-379. [Persian]
Sadeghu, R. (2009). Population and development in Iran: Dimensions and challenges. Tehran: National Population Studies & Comprehensive Management Institute.
Shen, C., & Chen, T. (2004). A study of the relationship between family life cycle and marital satisfaction. Social Policy & Social Work, 8(1), 133-170.
Sheriff, M., & Weatherall, A. (2009). A feminist discourse analysis of popular-press accounts of postmaternity. Feminism & Psychology, 19(1), 89-108.
Solomon, M. A. (1973). A developmental, conceptual premise for family therapy. Family Process12(2), 179-188.
Tufford, L., & Newman, P. (2012). Bracketing in qualitative research. Qualitative Social Work, 11(1), 80-96.
Vahedi Kojanagh, H., Afshari, A., Rezaei Malajagh, R., Eghbali, A. (2020). The Prediction of the elderly’s life satisfaction based on health-promoting lifestyle. Aging Psychology, 6(3), 285-297. [Persian]
VanLaningham, J., Johnson, D. R., & Amato, P. (2001). Marital happiness, marital duration, and the U-shaped curve: Evidence from a five-wave panel study. Social Forces, 79(4), 1313-1341.
Wang, G., Hu, M., Xiao, S.-y., & Zhou, L. (2017). Loneliness and depression among rural empty-nest elderly adults in Liuyang, China: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 7(10), Article e016091
Wang, L., Shentu, Q., Xu, B., & Liang, Y. (2020). The prevalence of anxiety on the empty-nest elders in China. Journal of Health Psychology25(2), 152-160.
Wang, Z., Shu, D., Dong, B., Luo, L., & Hao, Q. (2013). Anxiety disorders and its risk factors among the Sichuan empty-nest older adults: A cross-sectional study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics56(2), 298-302.
Wang, J.-W. (2002). The reason and myth of education fanaticism: a historical review. Indigenous Psychological Research in Chinese Societies, 17(1), 3-66.
Whiteman, S. D., McHale, S. M., & Crouter, A. C. (2007). Longitudinal changes in marital relationships: The role of offspring’s pubertal development. Journal of Marriage and Family, 69(4), 1005-1020.
Willig, C. (2007). Reflections on the use of a phenomenological method. Qualitative Research in Psychology4(3), 209-225.
Wu, T.-F., Yeh, K.-H., Cross, S. E., Larson, L. M., Wang, Y.-C., & Tsai, Y.-L. (2010). Conflict with mothers-in-law and Taiwanese women’s marital satisfaction: The moderating role of husband support. The Counseling Psychologist, 38(4), 497-522.
Van Manen, M. (2017). Phenomenology in its original sense. Qualitative Health Research27(6), 810-825.
 Yi, C. (1991). Some Findings on Marital Adjustments in the Taipei Metropolitan Area. Proceedings of the National Science Council: Humanities and Social Sciences, 1(2), 151-173.
Zarei, H., Abolfathi Momtaz, Y., Sahaf, R., & Mehdi, M. (2019). Marital Satisfaction Among Older Adults Who Married in Old Age in Sanandaj in 2016. Iranian Journal of Ageing, 14(1), 14-25.
Zhang, H.-H., Jiang, Y.-Y., Rao, W.-W., Zhang, Q.-E., Qin, M.-Z., Ng, C. H., Ungvari, GS., Xiang, Y.-T. (2020). Prevalence of depression among empty-nest elderly in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11 (1), 608-621.
Zhang, Y. (2020). Are Empty-Nest Elders Unhappy? Re-examining chinese empty-nest elders’ subjective well-being considering social changes. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1), 885-901.