Assessed adults (N=88) on tasks operationally defining short-term memory structural limitations and process abilities. Although a number of minor chronological age-related differences were noted between monaural and dichotic word list performances, the findings indicated both structural capacity and organizational strategy deficiencies over…

Proposes a phase model describing the course of first pregnancy, while outlining an extended view of pregnancy as both a biological and psychosocial process. Four ideal phase types are distinguished: a disruption phase of radical change, an adaptation phase of readjustment, a centering phase focused on production, and a final phase of anticipation…

Reviews relativity theory in physics to derive a relativistic metatheory applicable to life span developmental psychology. The discussion points out ways in which relativistic thinking might enhance understanding of life span development and epistemology. (Author/DB)

A review of research shows that while some studies support (1) the necessity of developing logical (operational) thought, (2) the maintenance of this cognitive level, and (3) the finality of the formal operational stage, the bulk of research challenges these three aspects of traditional Piagetian theory. (LRA)

Reviews an extensive list of books and articles on middle-aged adults to assist practitioners in the helping professions (including educators and career and psychological counselors). (SK)

In dealing with middle-aged male protagonists, fiction writers have produced dramatic portrayals of mid-life changes that provide useful insights into adult development. (SK)

Describes the creation of the University of Kansas Adult Life Resource Center and the mid-life concerns addressed by the center's workshops on the adult life cycle and on career change. (SK)

Issues such as the nature of maturity, relationship between work and family, and social class differences in adult development will affect the content and planning of future continuing education programs for adults facing mid-life change. (SK)

Members of an elders writing workshop reveal what the workshop meant to them. (FL)

Provides an overview of five assessment instruments and discusses their contribution to adult career development: (1) California Personality Inventory; (2) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; (3) Personality Research Form; (4) Occupational Stress Inventory; and (5) Personal Career Development Profile. Includes information about publishers, intended…

Agrees with Levenson and Crumpler's critique of ontogenetic theories as overly stressing biological determinism. Disagrees with their proposal, in discussing sociogenic and liberative models, that social influences be confined to a weak determinism. Suggests that a problem for developmental theories is to understand ways of increasing individuals'…

Sees Levenson and Crumpler's liberative model as idealistic, and critiques apparently anti-materialistic implications of the model. Maintains that Levenson and Crumpler's suggestion that the goal of adult development is to free the individual from environmental and biological influences is bad science but constitutes a valuable sermon. (BC)

Highlights a changing, rather than static view, of the story of "Snow White" by interpreting the story's symbol of the mirror in three roles: guide, trap, and tool of wholeness. Suggests that these interpretations illustrate that developmental processes that entrap individuals may constitute necessary developmental steps and that gains…

Increases in life expectancy and living conditions are changing perceptions of traditional adult development. The Long Careers Study of 150 adults revealed three patterns of change: homesteaders who stayed in one career, transformers who made one major change, and explorers who changed careers frequently. (SK)

Suggests that, in order to respond to change, adult educators should cultivate a broader perspective through vision-logic, a stage of consciousness beyond the rational that is more encompassing, coherent, and integrative. (SK)