Question

Discuss at least two barriers to the achievement of family developmental tasks in the middle adult family. Provide an example from your own experience.

Answer 1

During the middle adulthood (45-65 years), a family is more likely to experience separation from the children or spouse. In many cases, separation from the children makes the parents experience grief (empty nest syndrome). Change in the physical appearance, diagnosis of the chronic disorders, differences with the spouse, lack of sexual interest (particularly in case of females after menopause) are the primary barriers that affect an individual both physically and psychologically and act as barriers to the achievement of family developmental tasks in the middle adult family. For example, a woman diagnosed with osteoporosis in her late 50’s fail to live independently and cannot actively participate in taking care of her spouse and other family members.