Evaluated novels written in old age by two contemporary British novelists, Barbara Pym and Penelope Mortimer, which revealed their late style was related to lifelong methods of adapting to changes in their situation. Found strength and direction of their creativity in old age fluctuated in response to their aging bodies and their new roles in…

Reviews previous approaches to the study of successful ageing and details an alternative approach. Discussion of new ways to investigate successful ageing concentrates on the complementarity between quantitative and qualitative research strategies. (RJC)

Follows the argument of feminist psychologists that traditional life-span theories are male oriented and exclusive of the possible diversity of a woman's life cycle. Looks at the implications of findings on adult education and adult learning. (JOW)

Investigated validity of Goal Instability scale as predictor of adjustment among retirement-aged population of industrial workers. Conducted study to establish norms and internal reliability of modified version of scale and to examine predictive validity of scale within hierarchical model. Results generally support validity of Goal Instability…

Self-assessment leads to greater awareness of the methods one uses to make meaning. It enhances responsibility, self-direction, shifts in perception, and self-questioning. (SK)

Exposure to models and theories about adult development gives learners structure and language they can apply to their own experiences. Responses of 65 women in a development course brought out 6 themes: knowing oneself, accepting oneself, connecting with others, changing perspectives, empowering oneself, and seeking growth and development. (SK)

Examined influence of cardiovascular fitness on age-related declines in cognitive performance among 13 young adults, 22 middle-aged adults, and 13 older adults. Age-related performance declines were observed for free-recall task, but no such age-dependent association was observed for frequency and location memory. Other data suggest that…

Notes that men experience gender role transitions over the life span and redefine their thoughts and feelings about masculinity and femininity. Defines 30 gender role transitions that men may experience. Discusses factors activating gender role transitions. Defines fears of femininity as inhibitors to gender role transitions; discusses concepts…

Describes Super's construct of role salience and recent literature on gender issues in multiple roles that supports wisdom of his basic ideas. Notes that gender influences how individuals perceive various roles, role priorities and involvement over time, and role juggling during adulthood. Reminds counselors to explore clients' own life meanings…

Argues that the field of moral psychology is theoretically skewed and lacks a comprehensive model of moral functioning and a compelling conception of moral excellence. Contends that common language understandings of moral maturity are inherently interesting because they affect everyday moral functioning. Concludes that disjunctions between…

Uses Kegan's theory of the evolving self as an example of the utility of life-span theories in facilitating career happiness. Suggests how to use culturally appropriate developmental theories to help clients understand their life-stage position and discover ways to achieve self-other balance for life and career satisfaction. (SK)

Women participating in a management development program (n=25) and 19 of their mentors identified the dynamics of the mentor relationship and positive/negative outcomes. A conceptual framework for mentoring was developed, including statement of objectives and processes of selection/orientation, goals/tracking, networking, and closure. (SK)

In the "Learning Age," the citizen role has been deflated and the consumer role inflated. The structure of work in the "learning economy" hinders active citizenship and adult development. (Contains 21 references.) (SK)

Survey responses from 268 of 444 doctoral programs in adult development/aging and 81 of 145 in clinical psychology show a slight decline in the former. There are fewer teaching assitantships and more internships and practicums; 8% of clinical psychology programs offer a specialization in clinical geropsychology. (SK)

Examines traditional sexual orientation theories, cultural understandings of sexuality, and the emergence of queer theory. Discusses how sexual identity can open new learning pathways for adults. (SK)