Main description:

As developing countries increasingly confront the issues of an aging population, this important book identifies the key period in the life cycle in which changes to the body, as well as concomitant psychological developments, result in the entering of a new phase of life, maturescence.

The author defines the metapsychology of maturescence from a psychoanalytic standpoint, detaching it from the concepts of midlife and middle age. Supported by clinical examples, the book defines the stimuli which are the precursors to this phase, before examining the complete set of psychological challenges it entails. The author also highlights how maturescence has been illustrated in key literary figures in the 20th century and draws parallels with the mythical cycle of the hero.

This fascinating and original book will be essential reading for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and any professional working with issues around aging.

Contents:

Preface; Acknowledgements; Glossary; 1. Mid-life: steps to be taken before the introduction of a new concept; 2. Psychoanalysis of maturescence: the onset of middle age and beyond; 3. The expression of maturescence in dreams; 4. Nymphomaniac despair; 5. A reunion party; 6. Different understandings of maturescence; 7. The mythical cycle of the hero (including Freud?); 8. Background; Bibliography; Index