Examined whether ego identity status transition pathways and change rates differ significantly across domains of identity development from adolescence through middle adulthood. Interviews with 100 middle-aged adults regarding development of values in vocation, religion, politics, gender roles, and relationships identified 8 subgroups which varied…

Investigated life history of American career women (N=24) at midlife. The transitions experienced by these women during their lifetimes were categorized into "masculine" or "feminine" types. It was found that they were distributed about equally between the two types of transitions, thus excluding a simple biological approach.…

Examined by in-depth interviews lived experience of aging in 32 community dwelling adults aged 50 to 80. Identified 5 categories of coping activities. Findings suggest that individuals who believe they are coping successfully see aging as positive life experience, despite acknowledgment of negative changes in themselves and people close to them.…

Examined whether midlife men (n=64) had personal Dream as defined by Levinson and whether they experienced success of Dream. Findings support conclusion that whether man has Dream and degree to which he experiences success in achieving it are significantly related to mental health status during midlife transition. (Author/NB)

Specifications are offered for a stage theory of adult cognitive development. Current psychometric technologies are criticized as being limited in descriptions of cognitive function. The development of novel technologies is suggested for study of adult cognitive development. Paper presented at the 10th International Congress of Gerontology,…

Education, not age per se, is related to conservation ability during the adult years. Age differences should not be interpreted as age changes without using the more appropriate designs which separate age and cohort effects. Results emphasize the relationship between education and cognitive abilities among the elderly. (Author)

Surveyed 172 male dentists to examine the extent to which they felt trapped in a one life/one career imperative. Results showed 84 percent agreed that most professionals can pursue only one career. Dentists undergoing a midlife crisis were less satisfied with their careers. (JAC)

Examined age differences in self-ratings of present and projected past and future cognitive performance across cognitive domains. Findings from 151 adults in their 20s, 40s, 60s, and 80s revealed that performance on fluid/speeded intelligence, memory, and reasoning tasks followed progression of poorer performance with age. Found age differences in…

Suggests that cycles of stress and anxiety in middle age may have a developmental etiology and may be a necessary part of the developmental process. Proposes reintegration of the cognitive structure to accommodate new elements reduces stress, leaving the adult changed with respect to certain beliefs. (Author/JAC)