The basic issue underlying this research is whether or not adult personality structures change after maturity is reached. Problems involved in the longitudinal study of psychological variables are discussed and 2 feasible designs applied in an effort to differentiate the effects of chronological age, secular trends, generation differences, as well…

Reviews research on changes in personality, social involvement, and roles which occur in the latter half of life, with a particular focus upon the differing and often divergent directions that men and women take. Considers the significance of these changes both to the individual and to marital harmony. (Author)