Investigated the midcareer crisis and examined sex differences distinguishing midcareer changers (N=134). The results revealed that individuals who changed careers scored significantly higher on identity achievement and affiliation, and there was a significant positive correlation between identity achievement and self-concept. No sex differences…

Examined occupational change by identifying, exploring, and describing the transition periods of the life cycle and the disengagement states of the occupational cycle to determine if they are interrelated, and to ascertain if changers and non-changers differ on variables used to assess these transitions. Subjects included 298 managers and 166…

Discusses career development programs designed and offered for adult students and alumni of the University of Baltimore. Reviews the theory of adult development, adaptation to transition, and career development interventions that were helpful in designing the programs. (Availability: 1190 South Bascom Avenue, Suite 211, San Jose, CA 95128) (JOW)

Because of the economic and cultural changes that are currently taking place in society and the workplace, many adults who had their career and personal lives planned to retirement are finding those plans no longer viable and are recognizing the need to readjust their career expectations. Many adults who had always viewed life as a linear,…

Compared three groups of people (N=134) facing midcareer crisis using a structured interview. Suggested that Hopson and Adams' (1977) model can provide a framework for understanding emotional factors in voluntary career transitions. Janis and Mann's (1977) conflict model describes where in the decision-making process the groups chose alternative…

Changing careers during adulthood has been recognized only recently as a natural part of the development of adult life. A study estimated that 36 percent of all Americans are in some stage of the career transition process. Career changes are becoming increasingly common for women, for workers whose skills have become obsolete, for individuals…

This document is one of three monographs resulting from a three-year study of adult counseling programs and practices in the United States. The first section of this monograph describes issues and potential problems associated with four frequently-experienced adult life transitions, i.e., divorce, midlife career change, preretirement planning, and…

The recent literature concerning mid-life transitions of men and the impact upon their personal and interpersonal lives is reviewed. Areas of concern addressed by these materials include adult development, issues and tasks of mid-life, and life phases. A framework for evaluation and therapeutic intervention is provided for counselors and helping…

Attempts to clarify counselor's attitudes about adult learning styles, role change, and attitude change. Suggests that recent developments in adult psychology and adult education should result in different perspectives of mid-life career change. Techniques are presented to help individuals assess their readiness for career changes. (Author/JAC)

Research evidence has accumulated to indicate that a sixth stage of career development--career renewal--occurs for many people between the end of the establishment stage and the beginning of the maintenance stage. Explains why a renewal stage was overlooked in the past, clarifies the meaning, and compares transitions of women and men. (Author/JBJ)

Past research has examined middle adulthood as a developmental process with outcomes predictive of development into old age. A study was undertaken to explore adult psychological and career development from an ecological perspective taking into account factors that influence and modify self-perception, values, identity, and social interaction. A…

This report presents the findings from a study to describe how Americans in transition study for college credit and to establish the extent of degree versus nondegree study. Introductory materials discuss why and how the study was made and the annual rate of adult credit study. Part I describes the demographic characteristics of the 1,000 adults…

Use of the term "crisis" to define the midlife era suggests a limited sense of choice and control. The term "transition," however, emphasizes a process of change and suggests that the individual has both choice and power to grow and develop. An open-ended questionnaire was sent to professionals (N=42) in medical, psychological, sociological, and…

Discusses the recent phenomenon of older career changers and highlights some of the strengths and proactive strategies for such people. Issues include dealing realistically with negative perceptions and stressing advantages of the mature career changer. (Author)

Adults experience cyclical periods of stability and transition throughout life. The conflict between role cycles may spur career change. Personality differences between voluntary changers and nonchangers have been identified in research. Career changes may be triggered by factors ranging from the anticipated (marriage, empty nest) to the…