Love, Lust & Loss: Psychology of Adulthood – PSYM106 Assignment

As you start your PSYM106 course in UK, you will learn that love, lust, and loss are not just about romance or heartbreak; they are deeply connected to our psychology. These feelings shape who we are, how we grow, and how we handle life’s changes as we move through adulthood and into old age.

So, if you are curious about how relationships evolve or wondering why older adults often appear more emotionally stable, this blog is for you. This blog contains relatable insights backed by research. If you are writing a PSYM106 assignment for Love, Lust, and Loss: The Psychology of Adulthood and Ageing, this blog is going to help you, so read it carefully till the end. Also, if you need expert help with assignment, you can rely on Locus Assignments, one of the most reliable and trusted assignment helpers in UK.

Love: From Infatuation to Emotional Bonding

When we are young, love often feels exciting, intense and full of butterflies. But as we grow, it becomes deeper and surprisingly more fulfilling.

Love in Early Adulthood (Early 20s to 30s)

At this age, relationships are more about attraction, excitement and new experiences. Many youngsters seek passionate love, full of intensity. However, there is something always missing: “Long-term Commitments”. This matches what Sternberg calls "infatuation" or "romantic love," where passion and intimacy are high, but commitment might not be there yet.

You might always remember a relationship that felt overwhelming at first. However, as time goes on, excitement also fades and you will lose its spark.

Love in Midlife (30s - 50s)

As we move into midlife, love becomes steadier and grounded. Many people seek compassionate love, which is built on trust, respect, and shared goals. Life’s responsibilities, like parenting, work, and bills, can either bring couples closer or create challenges.

Fun fact: Research shows that satisfaction in relationships sometimes dips during these “stress years”. However, emotional closeness usually grows stronger over time.

Love in Later Life (60+)

When you grow older, you will start prioritising emotional connection over passion. People of this age often care less about things like looks or social status. They care more about loyalty, comfort, and feeling secure. Love at this stage is about emotional safety rather than excitement.

Fun fact: Studies show that older couples argue less and handle conflicts better. As you grow, you become more emotionally strong.

Lust: Not Just For The Young

Now let’s talk about lust, it might be one of the most controversial topics on the internet, but it is a part of our lives. Many people believe that sexual desire peaks in your 20s and then fades away. However, that is not the whole story.

The Biology of Lust

Well, lust comes from hormones like testosterone, dopamine, and oxytocin. These are at their highest in young adults, which is why desire feels stronger and more frequent then. But it’s not just biology. Mental health, confidence in your body, and how happy you are in your relationships all influence how lust shows up at any age.

Midlife and Sexual Desire

In your 40s and 50s, it’s normal to notice changes in sexual desire. For women, hormonal changes tied to menopause can affect how they experience intimacy. Men may also notice gradual shifts as testosterone levels drop.

But these changes don’t mean the connection becomes less important. Many people find their intimate relationships grow more emotionally meaningful and fulfilling during midlife. This time often brings a stronger focus on communication, trust, and understanding, things that help build deeper connections and lasting relationships, and happiness.

Later Life and Intimacy

Older adults still cherish close relationships, even though the way they experience intimacy might change as they age. While physical moments may happen less often, the emotional bond often grows stronger.

Instead of focusing on physical aspects, many older people value trust, affection, and emotional closeness more. Sadly, society often ignores or misunderstands intimacy in later life, which can make older adults feel invisible or overlooked.

Here’s a thought: According to socioemotional selectivity theory, as we age, we focus more on deep relationships and companionship, over novelty or superficial pleasures.

Loss: Coping with Change and Grief

Losing something feels difficult, but it's a natural part of life and growing up. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, losing someone you love, or feeling like you’ve lost your youth or independence, every phase of life brings its own struggles.

Loss in Early and Mid Adulthood

In your 20s and 30s, loss might mean heartbreak, job setbacks, or changes in your family. These moments can feel really tough because you’re still learning how to handle your emotions.

By midlife, people often face divorce, the death of parents, or health issues. This is also when many start asking big questions like, “Am I where I thought I’d be?” or “What’s next for me?”

Grief and Ageing

Later in life, losing long-time partners, friends, or physical abilities becomes more common. Grief can be very painful, but older adults often get better at coping emotionally.

The Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut, 1999) shows how people go back and forth between facing their loss and adjusting to new routines. Over time, many find strength and new meaning in relationships or activities.

Student Tip: Remember, grief isn’t a straight path. It doesn’t always follow stages like denial, anger, or acceptance. Everyone experiences it differently.

Conclusion

Growing up is a journey full of emotional changes. Love grows stronger, desire changes, and loss helps us become stronger. Every stage brings its own challenges and rewards.

As psychology students, you have a special chance not only to learn about these feelings but also to understand them deeply, and later use that knowledge in your life and work.

So next time someone says, “Love is only for the young,” or “Older people don’t feel desire,” you’ll know the truth. Emotions don’t disappear; they just change as we get older.

Besides, if you are a psychology student studying in UK and need help with your PSYM106 assignment or a similar assignment, you can count on us. We, Locus Assignments, provide quality assignment help for university students in the UK. Click on “Upload Assignment” today!