This essay advances discussion of the evolution of student development theory as foundational knowledge for student affairs practice and the role theoretical consensus plays in the application of theory to student affairs practice. We located our discussion within the context of student affairs as a low-consensus field and address 2 related…

This rejoinder to Patrick Love's article, "Informal Theory: The Ignored Link in Theory-to-Practice," which appears earlier in this issue of the "Journal of College Student Development", was written at the invitation of the Editor. In the critique, we point out the weaknesses of many of Love's arguments and propositions. We provide an alternative…

Applying theory to practice in student affairs is dominated by the assumption that formal theory is directly applied to practice. Among the problems with this assumption is that many practitioners believe they must choose between their lived experiences and formal theory, and that graduate students are taught that their experience "does not…

In this article, the author briefly traces the academic traditions that have formed the major body of student development literature, highlighting the evolution of separate rather than integrated constructs. She then summarizes Robert Kegan's conception of a metapsychology that integrates many of these separate lines of research. Next, she offers…

Originally published in July 1977, reviews different uses of the term student development, including humanism, complexity, and developmental stage theory. Affirms that the latter is thought to be most fruitful to the use of student personnel work. Describes two examples of the use of stage or hierarchical developmental theory for making changes in…

Explores the independent contribution of interpersonal relationships, parental attachment, and racial/ethnic identity to traditional-age undergraduate women's autonomy development, removing the effect of biographical correlates. Differences by race/ethnicity and by residence status in relationship to factors of autonomy are investigated.…

Presents common elements of student development theories as a framework for practice. Briefly discusses problems using student development theory in practice, common elements of student development theory and research, and a framework for practice and for research based on those common elements. Gaps between theory and practice are noted, and new…

Traditional models of student development have been criticized for discriminating against developmental characteristics of women. Developed Ways-of-Knowing Instrument (WOKI) to measure concepts from Belenky et al.'s model of intellectual development. Administered WOKI to 348 female undergraduates. Found encouraging empirical support for Belenky et…

This paper addresses the challenges student affairs professionals encounter in translating student development theory into practice, concluding with recommendations for maintaining a successful dialog between theoreticians and practitioners. (Author)