(CC1; CC2; CC3): During middle adulthood, there are complex changes that occur in individuals’ relationships with family, friends, and significant others. For example, during midlife, adults may find themselves in the role of Kinkeeper, such that they assume a primary and active role in strengthening the bonds among family members. In addition, during this developmental stage, adults are increasingly using online dating sites to meet romantic partners.

For this assignment, choose one of the “midlife relationships” discussed in this week’s reading. Next, find a journal article describing a study that examined this type of relationship phenomenon (e.g., sandwich generation, kinkeeping, empty nest) in middle adulthood. Then, write a two-page paper that focuses on critiquing the strengths and limitations of the study. In your paper, consider the following guidelines:

• Briefly summarize the study you read (e.g., the purpose and findings).

• What were the main strengths of the study? What do you think the researcher(s) did well? Were the research methods appropriate for addressing the research question(s)?

• What were the main weaknesses of the study? What improvements could have been made to the study design or data analysis approach? Did the researchers make statements or interpret the findings in a way that you thought was overstated? What would you have done differently?