What development task is associated with the middle-age adult stage of the family life cycle?

In the context of the family life cycle, the middle-age adult stage often involves a focus on rebuilding the marriage. During this stage, couples may face a range of challenges such as adjusting to the empty nest, reevaluating their relationship dynamics after children have grown or left home, and addressing any long-standing issues that may have been set aside during the child-rearing years.

Rebuilding the marriage encompasses activities aimed at rekindling intimacy, improving communication, and strengthening the partnership. This could include both partners reflecting on their goals, desires, and any shifts in their identity as individuals and as a couple following their children's departure from the home.

The other developmental tasks mentioned, while relevant in different contexts, are not as central to this particular stage of the family life cycle. Managing family finances, establishing family goals, and child-rearing are typically more prominent during earlier stages, such as when children are young or are still in the home. Therefore, the focus on rebuilding the marriage is particularly significant as couples navigate this transitional phase of life, making it the most appropriate answer.