Positive Psychiatry in Midlife

Abstract

Due to the high probability of life events between the ages of 45 and 55, several studies demonstrate a higher likelihood of decrease mood and worse life satisfaction in this period. Studies have also demonstrated factors associated with resilience to such crisis, namely, finding growth and purpose, learning to manage uncertainty, cultivating spirituality, developing emotional objectivity, having a lower adversity level, applying humor, and adopting a changing philosophy. Some of these factors are in one’s control and a few are not, in particular the adversity level. Given these findings, there are measures one can take at the individual level to decrease the impact of this at times life period, and other measures at the societal level for which a more collective approach will be required. Bringing these factors from Positive Psychology into a coherent psychotherapy model will help inform of Positive Psychiatry in the future.