Socio-demographic Determinants of Women’s Adjustment to Midlife Crisis in Selected Local Government Areas in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The incidence of midlife crises and the negative consequences on the well-being of middle-aged women is on the increase while their ability to cope differs. This study examines the socio-demographic factors that influence women’s adjustment to the midlife crisis in selected local government areas of Oyo state, Nigeria. Also, it elucidates the support systems in dealing with psychosocial issues associated with a midlife crisis. The study was anchored on Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory and Levinson’s Stage-crisis view. The descriptive research design was adopted, and multistage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the local governments and the participants for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 165 women. Hypotheses were tested using descriptive statistics and One-way ANOVA. The findings reveal that the onset of midlife crisis among women was significant among women aged 45 to 54 at 55.76%. Income status has a significant impact on women during the midlife crisis as participants with higher income (above #200,000) adjusted better. Participants who received support from the immediate family significantly adjusted better than those who received support from other support systems F (3,161) = 12.417, p < .01]. This study established that the age of onset of a midlife crisis, higher regular income, and adequate system of support from the immediate family were significant factors for women’s adjustment during a midlife crisis. This study recommends the creation of awareness of the reality of the midlife crisis and the implementation of policies and programs as well as the provision of adequate support systems for women.