Levinson described a midlife transition in men commonly referred to as which of the following?

• A. Midlife crisis
• B. Age 40 crisis
• C. 30-year crisis
• D. Age 30 crisis

Answer: (D)

Levinson’s theory describes a midlife transition in men as they reassess their life structure and goals, typically happening around age 40. This phase is best described as the midlife crisis, a period of reevaluation and reorientation as men confront aging and renegotiate their roles, priorities, and sense of self in work, relationships, and personal goals. The term midlife crisis has become the standard label for this transition in psychology and in test contexts. While some might hear it phrased as an “age 40 crisis,” the widely accepted and most accurate descriptor is the midlife crisis. The other options don’t fit because they either misstate the age involved or use a label that isn’t the conventional term Levinson used for this transition.