Family Life Cycle

Research Paper # 60599

Aging
Psychology > Theory
Psychology > Therapies

Family Life Cycle

A systemic perspective of the family life cycle's final stages.

4,012 words () | 30 sources | MLA | 2005 Australia

Paper Summary:

This paper focuses upon both the needs and the challenges faced by both the family as a whole and by individuals entering the final phase of the family life cycle. It looks at how the final phase of the family life cycle encompasses two separate stages, the launching phase (55-69 years of age), which is characterized by the last dependent member of the family exiting from the family system and the 'later life' stage (70 to 100+ years of age), which is characterized by the acceptance of a shift in generational roles.

Outline
Family Systems Theory
Launching Stage
Assessment and Treatment Issues within the Launching Stage
Transition from the Launching Stage to Later Life
Later Life
End of Life and Loss
Assessment and Treatment Issues in Later Life
Summary

From the Paper:

"Self-concept plays a large role within this stage, which is best portrayed by Erikson's psychosocial theory of development. Here, the middle aged adult looks outside of themselves and aspires to care, or to be of service to others; such a notion is coined: generativity. Generativity is analogous to unselfish love and is given regardless of whether or not it is reciprocated (Erikson, 1963). On the other side of the notion of generativity is stagnation, in which the individual becomes completely self-absorbed. Such a stage of conflict contributes to one's sense of purpose and their expanded identity. Here, individuals re-evaluate their career goals, they have a shift in family responsibility and they must begin to deal with one's own mortality (Erikson, 1963)."