IndexIntroductionContextTheoryConclusionHuman development integrates a series of elements that help define the different levels of individual growth. There are several critical processes in the human development process. Developmental psychology creates an effective understanding by which it is easier to understand some of the underlying elements that influence human development. An individual goes through different developmental stages where each developmental stage plays a key role in influencing the overall well-being of an individual. Lifespan development constitutes a fundamental part of human development, which highlights the key processes that individuals tend to go through to have a greater understanding of the underlying key concepts, which are crucial for recognizing the major changes that usually take place. This article will provide a significant understanding of the midlife developmental stage with a key focus on theories that provide greater understanding of this stage of human development. The research will focus in particular on the midlife crisis among women. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Introduction Lifespan development focuses on age-related changes that are crucial in defining individual well-being. An individual undergoes various developmental processes, which play a key role in improving individual personality. Each stage of an individual development process plays a specific role in improving the overall environment in which key issues influencing the individual development process can be related. There are six main stages in lifespan development, which shape human development. These stages include infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age, and old age. Important theories have been put in place to provide a greater understanding of how different stages of lifespan development influence individual well-being. A deeper understanding of these theories is crucial to understanding the different characteristics that occur within these lifespan developmental stages. Middle age is a very delicate phase especially considering the fact that it is directly influenced by other previous phases. If the previous phases have not actually been completed, it is very difficult to have a successful midlife phase. As a result, tension is created in creating a very complex life for an individual. Background Midlife crisis is a period between the ages of 45 and 65. Many physical and mental changes occur during this period. The midlife crisis is usually a period of reevaluation that pushes one to question long-held beliefs and values ​​that an individual has. The midlife crisis presents many challenges, which are mainly based on an individual's new perception of certain actions. In a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control between 2009 and 2012 it was found that women between the ages of 40 and 59 had the highest rate of depression, at 12.6%. The study also reported that there was a decline in the rate of depression after age 60 to 5.4%. The midlife crisis occurs in response to several factors, such as the new realization that their youth is limited, mortality, and the thought that this is happening without fully achieving their goals. In this case, it is clear that there are other significant factors that trigger the midlife crisis. The challenges faced in midlife play an important role in these new developments. The womenMiddle-aged adults face numerous challenges such as career changes, unemployment, empty nest or children still in school, commuter marriages, divorce, stress, to name a few. During normal growth, every other person will experience a period of transition, leading to the fulfillment of half of a person's life (Newman & Newman, 2014). Theory Human Developmental theories have sought to develop a clear understanding of the underlying key elements that influence individual growth. The best theory that provides greater understanding of midlife development and the key characteristics that influence individual well-being is the theory developed by Erik Erickson. Erikson developed a very important theory that provided important information about the processes of human psychosocial development. The stages developed by Erikson are characterized by difficulties or crises that occur in their developmental stages and therefore adaptation is the key to further development. Middle adulthood, characterized by generativity and stagnation, is an important period in an individual's development, and the majority of an individual's life is focused on this stage. Erikson states that at this stage work is more important and individuals are much more interested in their productivity and personal growth. So the biggest challenge at this stage is the fear of being inactive or making less sense. Consequently, this phase is strongly characterized by the challenges of midlife. Therefore, the struggle to find purpose in this state is referred to as generativity versus self-absorption. If an individual becomes stagnant at this stage, there is no growth or development and therefore fails to resolve the midlife crisis (Darling-Fisher & Leidy, 2015). The failure to prepare effectively for midlife is the beginning of a mass crisis within midlife. Most of the negative impact at this stage is due to the inability to perform certain tasks in earlier stages of development and thus an individual develops undue pressure to achieve everything in a short period. As a result, they remain confused and unable to make any meaningful decisions. The best way to avoid the midlife crisis is to ensure that earlier stages of development are effectively considered and successfully integrated into the development process. Sloan et al (2011) developed a study focusing on excessive alcohol use in early adulthood among Blacks and lower educational levels in midlife. The study then focused on the psychosocial pathways underlying racial differences in the influence of excessive alcohol use on vocational and educational outcomes in midlife. The article highlights the key role that the midlife crisis plays in the process of individual development. Having a successful middle age is associated with a positive and comfortable old life for any individual, considering the fact that it highlights important measures that define individual well-being. The study used a mixed model to identify different psychosocial classes, which formed the basis of the research. The study was able to determine that excessive alcohol consumption in early adulthood was linked to a lower likelihood of finding a job in early childhood. The results therefore show that an individual's well-being in midlife is strongly dependent on previous stages of development (Sloan et.al, 2011). The findings that have been developed in this case are very relevant considering the fact that human development has significantly influenced other stages of lifespan development. Many problems arise from an individual's midlife crisis. Since this is a period of reevaluation and.