This special issue of the Mensa Research Journal contains four papers written by K. Warner Schaie, a psychologist who focuses on psychological development from young adulthood through old age. The first paper is "Living with Gerontology." In it, Schaie recounts his own childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, his path to becoming a…

The studies so far fail to prove that adult education reduces poverty, or is essential to its reduction. It appears impossible, logically and in terms of methodology, unequivocally to demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Further studies are unlikely to produce such proof. (SSH)

A consortium in the Philadelphia area that brings 38 institutions into a program to encourage lifelong education is described. As a response to the pressures of demographics, economics, competition, and a crisis of institutional legitimacy, the multiphasic program uses outreach and articulation efforts. (MSE)

Studied women students over age 30 (N=439) in advanced-level graduate and professional programs. Examined their motivations for returning to school, their choice of field, barriers and facilitating factors in their educational experience, and resulting identity changes. Found women used graduate or professional study to develop intellectually or…

Reports two cross-sectional studies assessing the influence of age on the use of 28 coping mechanisms. Results showed older people coped similiarly to younger people, and where they employed different mechanisms it was because of different types of stress. Middle-aged and older people used less hostile and escapist reactions. (Author/RC)

Developed and tested a causal model for degree of difficulty of the transition to parenthood using data collected from interviewing 54 White married couples whose first child was three to five months old. Found difficulty related to: parental responsibilities and restrictions, gratifications, and marital intimacy and stability. (Author/RC)

Evaluates the effects of expanding sex-role alternatives on the passage of American middle-class women through the Eriksonian model of identity achievement. Contrasts contemporary norms regarding appropriate feminine roles with the more constricted social expectations of Erikson's time. Discusses validity of Erikson's original model of female…

Suggests that the social psychology of aging, as currently practiced within social gerontology, is incomplete. Examines this incompleteness (its origins, range, and effects), and presents outlines of a more complete social psychology of aging. Suggests a life span developmental social psychology would have beneficial effects. (Author)

Asks whether our understanding of problems posed for education in the later years can be aided by current developments in educational thought in the Third World. Suggests ways in which education in the later years can be given the recognition it deserves. (Author/JAC)

Age related changes in the appearance and behavior of older people which give the appearance of weakness are viewed in ethological and evolutionary perspective. These characteristics are seen as having adaptive value by reducing the probability of being the object of aggressive behavior. (Author)

Predictor variables in a study to identify factors associated with curriculum choices of adult women students enrolled in the University of Rhode Island included both situational and developmental factors. Findings indicated moderate success in associating several variables with some curriculum choices. Theoretical and educational implications are…

A study of affective development in the adult, nonresidential students of Empire State College, the college-without-walls, indicates that students experienced significant overall development during the testing period, unlike students in traditional settings. Differentiations in the results on the basis of such factors as age and sex are noted.…

Leisure is being recognized as a part of life. It complements work and may be considered with work as the total of career development. Leisure has special significance for mid-life change. (Author)

Examining the critical change (also referred to as re-socialization) in adults which can be stimulated by appropriate education programs, the author discusses differing rationales of adult education programs for value and attitudinal change in New Zealand.

Examines the impact of a woman's family background on transitions to sexual activity, marriage, and motherhood. Documents how parental education, parental survival status, and other factors are important in the transition to adult roles. Findings suggest that increases in educational levels should contribute to delays in these transitions and…