Finds Caple's self-organization paradigm useful in its examination of mechanisms by which change in college students can be examined and ultimately predicted and influenced. Doubts the value of Caple's using analogies from physics, or argument by analogy in forming the theory. Advocates research to support the theory. Considers development more…

Responds to Caple's self-organization paradigm with interest in methods of promoting student growth and maturity. Finds use of a continuum with developmental and self-organization theories at opposite ends unnecessary, believing that growth takes place in a state of equilibrium or disequilibrium. Considers closed systems theory, as well as Caple's…

Responds to Caple's self-organization paradigm of student development, where humans are viewed as open systems, unstable because of continuous exchange of energy with their environments. Corroborates the inevitability of disequilibrium in human existence but is disturbed by the notion of random determination of second-order change. Raises…

Suggests that a reexamination of the studies and research of developmental psychologists Kohlberg and Perry is needed in any examination of values education. Parallels and contrasts two theorists, and discusses the use of their schemes in studies of moral development in young adults and the phenomenon of moral regression. (Author/SMR)

Asserts that the development of the whole person can be accomplished by focusing on ecological, wellness, and developmental approaches in student life programming. Provides theoretical formulation of how campus ecology, student development, and wellness theories interface with one other. (Author/NB)

This report describes a faculty development project carried out from 1978 to 1980 at Simon's Rock of Bard College, an experimental program for the younger than average college student. The project had three aims: (1) to develop practical methods of determining a student's position with respect to cognitive, moral, and ego development and to track…

Presents self organization theory, which explains change in human development and behavior and which views choices and changes as being created in a state of disequilibrium. Includes background in previous developmental theory and in systems theory and explains first- and second-order change within the theory. (Author/KS)

Compared physically disabled and able-bodied college students on Erickson's epigenetic stages of life-span development, and Maslow's motivational needs hierarchy of personality development. The groups were more similar than dissimilar in ego development and needs level. College students with disabilities may be a select population because of their…

Examines changes in students' sense of autonomy and in their ability to manage their emotions, as described by Chickering's vectors, in relation to residence hall environments. Results neither support nor refute the all-freshman hall. Participants moved developmentally along the Autonomy Scale. Freshman women increased their scores on the Impulse…

Constructive-developmental theory, with its emphasis on epistemology and cognitive complexity, explicitly links learning and developmental growth. One model, which identifies five shifts in perception throughout the life span, describes some of higher education's values and objectives. The theory offers a promising direction for student evaluation…

The first in a two-part series on male college student development looks at a significant issue for many young men, lack of relationship with a father, and its effect on their journey to manhood. Specific recommendations are made for adults working effectively with young adult men in this context, and areas for further study are highlighted. (MSE)

A study assessed reflectivity in college students in general education environmental studies courses, using a reflective judgment-developmental instruction model designed to help students examine their epistemic perspectives. The developmental instructional students (n=28) had significantly higher reflective judgment change scores than students in…

This paper describes a university course on counseling women designed to provide an integration of: (1) a general cognitive understanding of women along psychological, physiological, sociological, and developmental dimensions; (2) a recognition and understanding of cognitive-developmental theory as a framework within which to counsel women; and…

This paper examines the research and theories that describe the emotional and intellectual development of women and minorities, and relates them to student development today especially in light of the increasing numbers of students from various minority groups. Major theorists of student development, those who focus on either cognitive or…

Connections between structural-developmental psychology and field experience education are addressed. In addition to summarizing principles of structural-developmental psychology and relevant research findings, a comprehensive view of individual development is related to the philosophical aims of higher education, and developmental and dualistic…