The results showed as much variation within the groups of mature women and young women as between the two groups. Mature women found little in the academic or social life of the institution with which to identify; neither did the young women. (Author/CG)

Claims that before adult learners set goals and begin their transition to higher education, they need to carve out a sense of personal identity which includes their new role as students. Reviews developmental theories and urges college personnel to use these theories to foster support programs for adult students. (RJM)

This paper describes several issues college dropouts confront--including self-sustenance, autonomy, and escaping a fearful destiny--from a psychodynamic, social and developmental perspective. The implications for psychosocial theories of adult development are also discussed. (Author/LMO)

Developmental theorists have suggested recently that at midlife women often want to reduce responsibilities to family and concentrate on self-development and growth, which earlier in their lives would have seemed to them selfish and therefore not acceptable. The aim of this comparative study was to determine if women returning to school at midlife…