How smoothly the transition is made depends upon factors such as what kind of emotional baggage has been carried over from earlier years, whether a wise occupational choice was made in line with talents and abilities, and whether marriage and other friendships are satisfying and growing.

A midlife crisis may be less severe if one has thoroughly worked through adolescent and young adult issues of autonomy, interdependence, intimacy, and identity. Some experts have found that the severity of a midlife crisis was influenced by the spouse’s reaction to the problem and if they were having a power struggle with their children.

People who seem to have the most trouble are the persons who are outwardly focused toward career, tasks, and the accumulation of money and possessions. If a person has deep caring or sharing relationships with family and friends, then these people seem to have the skills necessary to talk through the potential destructive experiences of midlife.