The chapter first introduces the concept of emerging adulthood as a period of life that is characterized by instabilities and fluctuations. Then, the role of goal setting and aspirations in individual development during this stage of life is discussed. Following this, seven chapters of the present special issue are introduced, and the ways in…

This article had four goals. First, the authors identified a set of general challenges and questions that a life-span theory of development should address. Second, they presented a comprehensive account of their Motivational Theory of Life-Span Development. They integrated the model of optimization in primary and secondary control and the…

Division E of the American Educational Research Association is concerned with counseling and human development, yet these two components often appear to be poorly integrated. The integration of counseling and human development, however, is important both for scientific advance and for the provision of better service. A major goal for both…

A review and analysis was made of Federal work experience programs to provide the Interagency Panel for Research and Development on Adolescence with information on: (1) the effect of work experience on adolescent development, (2) the kinds of learning that occur outside the traditional classroom setting, (3) whether or not experiential learning in…

The number of children and adult women known to have experienced an incestuous relationship is growing. Clinical case studies, systematic empirical case studies, and comparative empirical studies have been conducted to examine the effects of incest. Although few studies have been able to directly connect psychological and relational problems of…

Introduces the "person approach" to the study of adolescence, and discusses the consequences of the approach for theoretical thinking and research methodology. Reviews major types of pattern-based methods used for carrying out a person approach and discusses methodological challenges for adolescent research, including interindividual…

Studies using Marcia's identity status paradigm (achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and diffusion) are reviewed. The paradigm is evaluated concerning its construct and external validity; the rationale and discriminant validity of the identity statuses; the reliability of the Identity Status Interview; and future research problems. (For Part I,…

Reviews research on stresses associated with normative developmental transitions, the effects of psychological stress on adult parenting and parent-child interactions, and stresses associated with transition to parenthood during adolescence, with emphasis on school-age parents. Provides suggestions for design of developmentally and ecologically…

Maintains that the preceding studies extend a long line of research demonstrating the coherence of individual development in attachment security. Notes that the studies clarify that attachment security can be stable from infancy through early adulthood and that changes in security are meaningfully related to changes in the family environment.…

The articles in this issue each contribute uniquely to the growing field of adolescent religious and spiritual development. Together, they also illustrate important themes in the field, including the multidimensionality of the domain of religious and spiritual development and a growing emphasis on themes consistent with developmental systems…

Discusses the significance of research on the transition to adulthood, examining social-historical changes that may increase the role of individual and familial factors structuring this phase of the life course. Reviews leaving home in regard to its importance as a factor in late adolescence and the transition to adulthood. (HTH)

This paper considers the question "What are good child outcomes?" from the perspectives of developmental psychology, economics, and sociology. Section 1 of the paper examines good child outcomes as characteristics of stage-salient tasks of development. Section 2 emphasizes the acquisition of "human capital," the development of productive traits…

Interlinks crucial cultural themes emerging from preceding chapters, highlighting the contextual constraints in adolescents' use of free time. Draws parallels across the nations discussed on issues related to how school molds leisure time, the balance of passive versus active leisure, timing of leisure pursuits, and the cumulative effect of…

It is well known that human development is influenced by social change. In particular, as evidenced by research on German unification, the rapid change of social institutions can impact on various aspects of behaviour and development. Based on my own research experience in this field, I want to show the necessity for a better interdisciplinary…

Notes that children born shortly before the cutoff date for age grouping in youth sports suffer from being promoted to higher age groups earlier than later-born peers. Identifies physical and psychological mechanisms that may be responsible for the effect. Discusses negative consequences on personal development and possible remedies, and…