Neugarten was born to a Jewish family[1] in Norfolk, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood and early teenage years.

Neugarten started as an early undergraduate at the University of Chicago at the age of 16, obtaining her bachelor's degree in English and French Literature in 1936.

She also broke many stereotypes about aging, such as the midlife crisis, menopause being a necessarily traumatic experience, and the empty nest syndrome.

In particular, the "young old" (in their 60s) were often quite active and socially involved, sometimes moving back into cities or otherwise making new lives for themselves once their children were grown and on their own.

[5] The coauthor or editor of eight books and the author of more than 150 journal articles, Neugarten was well recognized in the research community.

The award recognizes an individual's distinguished career and long lasting contributions to the use of psychology in the public interest.