Explored sense of control and personal and spousal evaluations of major life domains. Findings from 101 men and 127 women aged 43 to 76 revealed no gender differences and minimal age differences in levels of sense of control or evaluation of life domains. Evaluations contributing to sense of control varied by gender and by age within gender group.…

Examined age differences in attributions for self-reported successes and failures in important and daily situations. Attributions and affects were collected from 61 young, 21 middle-aged, and 15 older adults. Middle-aged and older adults were more likely than young adults to attribute failure to external causes and to describe more social than…

Suggests that cycles of stress and anxiety in middle age may have a developmental etiology and may be a necessary part of the developmental process. Proposes reintegration of the cognitive structure to accommodate new elements reduces stress, leaving the adult changed with respect to certain beliefs. (Author/JAC)