Influencing factors on mid-life crisis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the factors which may influence a reported mid-life crisis. Methods: The research design was a descriptive survey design using a convenience sampling. Data were collected from 209 middle aged men and women by using self-reported questionnaires including Korean versions of Mid-life Crisis Scale, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Ego-resiliency Scale and Multipledimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program for descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The mean for mid-life crisis was 2.69±0.58. A mid-life crisis was statistically significant in relationship to education (F=3.79, p=.024) and to economic status (F=4.07, p=.019). Further, there were significant correlations among meaning of life (r=-.34, p < .001), health status (r=-.42, p < .001), stress (r=.46, p < .001), ego resilience (r=-.29, p < .001), social support (r=-.47, p < .001), and mid-life crisis. Social support (β=-.29, p < .001), stress (β=.27, p < .001), and health status (β=-.22, p < .001) were significant predictors which explained 34% of the variance reported in a mid-life crisis. Conclusion: The results indicate that these factors influencing mid-life crisis should be considered when developing nursing intervention to cope with a mid-life crisis.