Men in midlife

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed at gaining a better understanding of the phenomenon of midlife for men living in the Maltese context. It departs from a review of the psychological literature about this experience drawing on works by Levinson (1978) and Kalish (1989) among others. Then utilising a phenomenological framework, in-depth interviews were conducted with six Maltese middle-aged men. Through thematic analysis of data, eight themes were identified, namely (1) the central role of fathering (2) a focus on the relational (3) a lack of fear of death and fear of "unfinished business" (4) the preoccupation with health and physique (5) stock-taking in midlife (6) midlife as a time of challenge and change (7) work as a source of stimulation and stability and (8) reworking personal autonomy. Clearly permeating each theme was the men's need to creatively adjust to a new awareness of the passing years while ensuring a good quality of life for themselves and their loved ones, both on the relational and material dimensions. Midlife was not seen as a time of inevitable crisis but simply as another stage in an ongoing developmental process which brings to the fore new challenges and opportunities.