Which stage of a person’s life is the most difficult: what do scientists say?
Scientific research suggests that the most emotionally challenging period in a person’s life is not old age, but mid-adulthood. This refers to the period between the ages of 35 and 50, when life satisfaction reaches its lowest point.
This phenomenon is described as the U-shaped happiness curve: at the start of life, satisfaction levels are relatively high; they subsequently decline, reaching an ‘emotional low’ in middle age, after which they gradually rise again.
In particular, economist David Blanchflower (Dartmouth College) confirmed the existence of this effect in a large-scale analysis of data from over 130 countries — the lowest level of well-being is recorded at around 40–50 years of age.
Similar conclusions were also reached by researchers Andrew Oswald and Carol Graham, who studied the link between age and subjective feelings of happiness across different socio-economic groups.
Experts attribute this period to a combination of factors. At this time, responsibilities increase sharply: career, family and financial obligations create constant pressure. At the same time, there is a reassessment of life goals — previous benchmarks lose their significance, whilst new ones have not yet taken shape.
Another factor is increased social comparison. People are more likely to evaluate their own achievements through the prism of others’ successes, which can lower their level of satisfaction.
Research shows that after this period, the situation changes: levels of happiness gradually rise. People become more emotionally stable, less dependent on external judgements, and better able to understand their own needs. This is linked to psychological adaptation and more realistic expectations of life.
Researchers emphasise that recognising the naturalness of this stage helps one get through it more easily. Recommendations include re-evaluating life goals, comparing oneself less with others, and focusing on replenishing one’s inner resources.
