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…

Examines earlier conceptualizations of successful aging and calls for a reformulation that is more responsive to developmental processes and theoretical guidance. Discusses issues of operational definitions, selective sampling, and stage theory. The perspective is illustrated with empirical research in the personality realm. (Author)

Discusses semantic issues in defining emotions. Describes important constructs derived from major theories of emotionality. Examines social-psychological and biological changes associated with aging in the context of these theories. Reviews available data on emotionality and aging, describing experimental attempts at manipulating the emotional…

Evaluated physically healthy and emotionally stable men over a 30-year period from middle to old age. Increase in mean scores on the depression scale of the MMPI reflected realistic bodily concerns and physical illness. This group manifested personality strengths in middle age and functioned well in old age. (Author)

Recent books relevant to the counseling of adults and adult development are here briefly reviewed. Relevance was interpreted to eliminate books dealing solely with the years beyond mid-life. Recency is used to include books from 1972 on. (Author)