This article explores Robert Kegan's adult constructive-developmental (ACD) theory. We compare these ideas to the way educators at each of Kegan's meaning-making levels might plan, implement, and assess digitally enhanced teaching activities. Using Drago-Severson's interpretation of Kegan's concepts, the authors propose that behaviors of…

In 2 separate studies, the idea is tested that the positive association between self-regulatory capacities and well-being is partly explained by the positive effect self-regulation has on the successful resolution of developmental crises in Eriksonian terms. In Study 1, attentional control, intimacy, and subjective well-being are assessed in 177…

A study of Charlotte Zolotow's life and the themes of her children's books provides an illustration of the usefulness and problems in the application of theories of adult development, especially as they apply to women. This report of the study contains (1) discussions of Erik Erikson's and Daniel Levinson's theories of adult development; (2) a…

The article looks at learning disabilities in adulthood in relation to theoretical models and research related to adult development (rather than as persistence of a childhood disorder into adulthood). Basic assumptions of a life span developmental approach and specific mediating variables influencing adaptation to life events are discussed.…

This paper proposes that, contrary to the idea that creativity declines during the second half of life, observed changes may actually reflect qualitative changes in the creative process. Life span developmental theory is used to examine empirical and theoretical ideas about mature forms of thinking in relation to creativity. (DB)

Argues that the "ontogenetic" model of adult development theory is inappropriate because it treats as "natural" a subject that is social in character. Offers instead some essential elements of a "sociogenic" paradigm drawn from the accumulated body of sociological research and theory. (CMG)

This review examines three theories of alcohol abuse by American males: (1) the sex role theory which states that men drink heavily because American culture accepts and encourages that activity in males; (2) the dependency theory, which interprets drinking as a means by which men secretly gratify their dependency needs while manifesting an…

A conceptual framework for adult development is proposed, based on a synthesis of the literature on role theory and various age-related adult developmental theories. It is proposed that adult development may not be as linear, uniform, and age-related as has been suggested. An individual adult could be in varying developmental stages across the…

Seventy-four male eminent social scientists provided career stage data by which adult development theory was tested. All were born between 1893 and 1903 and met the criteria of a distinguished (and for several still active) scholarly career. The subjects were separated into four groups on the basis of their degree of productivity as of age 60.…

Homo sapiens is the only extant species for which there exists a significant post-reproductive period in the normal lifespan. Explanations for the evolution of this species-specific trait are possible through "non-deterministic" theories of aging positing "wear and tear" or the failure of nature to eliminate imperfection, or…

This paper uses twentieth century American fictional literature to examine middle-age male development. Two historical periods, post World War I and post World War II, were chosen to provide a wide data base which could be analyzed over time. With seven American literature professors' aid, works of literary merit with a middle-aged male…

This paper considers how establishing and maintaining the student-teacher relationship can be epistemologically transforming for both college students and faculty. The paper draws on a constructivist-developmental theory of self and cognitive development, knowledge construction, and the author's own teaching experiences. First, underlying…

Theories of life cycle phases, adult development, and adult motivation to learn provide a basis for planning and developing campus activities to attract the attention of this market. (MSE)

The paper presents an overview of Piaget's theory of cognitive development and a review of research in the measurement of formal operations and the impact of the domain of expertise on cognitive functioning. The role of the teacher as described by proponents of Piaget's theory is explored, along with an extensive description of Piaget's stage of…

Perspectives concerning the application of adult development theory to the education of college students are presented in two papers. In "Adult Development: A Workable Vision for Higher Education," Arthur W. Chickering suggests that the major dimensions of adult development are essentially the same objectives pursued by the university, and that by…