Which of the following life changes is considered a major stressor that can impact self-esteem in adults?

Retirement and having a child are both significant life changes that can profoundly impact an individual's self-esteem.

Retirement marks the transition from a working life to a new phase that can invoke a sense of loss of identity or purpose, given that many people define themselves through their careers. The abrupt change in daily routine and social interactions can lead to feelings of inadequacy or loss, thus influencing self-esteem.

Similarly, having a child can evoke a spectrum of emotions and challenges that can also affect self-esteem. New parents may struggle with feelings of competence and their ability to fulfill the roles and responsibilities that come with parenthood. The adjustments in lifestyle, the pressure of parenting roles, and the physical and emotional demands can all contribute to stress and impact self-perception.

While beginning a new relationship can also be a source of stress, it is typically viewed as a positive change and may not have as direct a correlation with self-esteem as the other two options. Therefore, both retirement and having a child stand out as life changes that are major stressors with the potential to significantly affect an individual’s self-esteem.