Intervention Title: “Life Lab: Cultivating Purpose and Resilience in Midlife”

Target Age Group: Midlifers (aged 40-65)

Theoretical Grounding:

This intervention draws on multiple theories of adult development:

• Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (Carstensen, 1992): In midlife, people tend to prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and relationships, focusing on what truly matters. This intervention encourages participants to identify and pursue their purpose.
• Generativity Theory (Erikson, 1980): Midlife is a time for establishing a sense of generativity, contributing something meaningful to the world beyond oneself. This intervention fosters purpose-driven volunteer opportunities.
• Resilience Theory (Bonanno, 2004): People develop resilience through positive coping mechanisms and social support. This intervention incorporates mindfulness exercises and group discussions to build resilience.

Intervention Activities (6-week program, 2 hours each session):

Week 1: Introduction and Life Review

• Activity 1: Icebreaker: “Defining Midlife Moments” – Participants share defining moments from their lives, fostering connection.
• Activity 2: “Life Timeline” – Participants create a timeline, reflecting on accomplishments and challenges across different life domains.
• Goal: Encourage self-reflection and identify potential areas for growth.

Week 2: Exploring Values and Purpose

• Activity 1: Values Clarification Exercise – Participants identify core values using a values card sorting activity.
• Activity 2: “Purposeful Passion Project” Brainstorming – Participants brainstorm personal projects that align with their values, igniting a sense of purpose.
• Goal: Help participants understand their core values and explore purpose-driven pursuits.

Week 3: Mindfulness and Stress Management

• Activity 1: Guided Meditation for Stress Reduction – Participants learn basic mindfulness techniques to manage stress and enhance self-awareness.
• Activity 2: “Gratitude Jar” Creation – Participants create a jar to write down things they are grateful for, fostering a positive outlook.
• Goal: Teach practical coping mechanisms that enhance resilience and well-being.

Week 4: Building Social Connections and Support

• Activity 1: “Strengths Sharing” Discussion – Participants discuss their strengths and how they can contribute to a group.
• Activity 2: Volunteer Opportunity Exploration – Participants research and discuss local volunteer opportunities that align with their interests.
• Goal: Encourage participants to build social connections and find meaning through volunteer work.

Week 5: Action Planning and Goal Setting

• Activity 1: SMART Goal Setting – Participants learn to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals related to their purpose projects.
• Activity 2: “Action Partner” Matching – Participants find an accountability partner within the group for their goals.
• Goal: Equip participants with goal-setting skills and build in peer support.

Week 6: Reflection and Program Review

• Activity 1: “Life Lab Journey” Recap – Participants share their experiences, challenges, and successes throughout the program.
• Activity 2: “Maintaining Momentum” Strategies – Brainstorm strategies for maintaining positive lifestyle changes and pursuing purpose beyond the program.
• Goal: Facilitate reflection on progress, celebrate achievements, and develop a plan for sustainable growth.

Outcomes:

This intervention aims to promote positive development in midlife by:

• Helping participants identify their purpose and core values.
• Equipping them with coping mechanisms for stress management.
• Encouraging social connection and volunteerism.
• Building resilience and fostering a positive outlook on life.

Dissemination:

This intervention can be delivered in community centers, senior centers, or online platforms. Collaboration with local volunteer organizations can connect participants with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Evaluation:

Pre and post-intervention surveys can assess changes in self-reported purpose, stress levels, and social connectedness. Qualitative methods like focus groups can provide deeper insights into participant experiences.

This research intervention combines concepts from social-emotional selectivity, generativity, and resilience theories to promote positive development in midlife. It connects the theme of adult development with stress management and social connection for a holistic approach to well-being.