People involved in adventurous activities frequently experience positive phenomena termed peak experience, peak performance, and "flow." Characteristics of these phenomena are compared, along with factors influencing the ability to experience such peak moments. Csikszentmihalyi's flow models are examined with regard to perceived levels…

This qualitative study examined the college experience of an individual with Down syndrome who audited two academic courses and participated in various nonacademic campus activities. Themes identified included: (1) the meaning of going to college; (2) the development and meaning of college friendships; (3) negotiation of the academic program; and…

Discusses how human evolution affects the achievement of flow experiences, including the role of complexity, or people's need to take on a greater range of challenges and opportunities to increase their skill level. Describes evolutionary obstacles to complexity, such as genetic instructions to conserve energy, and ways to overcome these…

Two studies tested whether 12- and 24-month olds' self-knowledge differed from their knowledge of others (mother or inanimate object), or whether toddlers' knowledge of persons (self and mother) differed from knowledge of objects. Results showed that 12-month olds were more sensitive than older toddlers to perceptual features of objects. Data were…

Chronicles Piaget's and Vygotsky's criticism of each other's ideas on childhood egocentrism. Notes that genuine, critical dialog failed to develop because Piaget did not reply to Vygotsky's criticism at first. Five reasons for his reticence are considered: (1) a language barrier; (2) lack of knowledge; (3) quality of the criticism; (4) ideology;…

Identifies a new urgency to the struggle over the emphasis of U.S. developmental psychology. Suggestions for developmental psychologists include: recruiting diverse and empathic students; broadening the curriculum and incorporating multicultural education; implementing senior faculty development programs; transforming developmental theory to…

Discusses how flatter organizations provide fewer opportunities for career progression, requiring new ways to reward performance and individual responsibility for career development. Notes that essential career competencies are optimizing career prospects, using career planning skills, engaging in personal development, and balancing work and…

Explores the foundation of therapeutic theory from the perspective of social constructionism. Proposes a theoretical description of the interaction between an individual and the social context in the formation of therapeutic theory. Then explores this description in relation to the early life and subsequent therapeutic theory of Carl Rogers. (RJM)

A holistic approach to individual development within the context of a learning organization produces well-informed, knowledgeable, critically-thinking adults whose decisions contribute to organizational prosperity. From a systems perspective, valuing development only if it contributes to productivity is counterintuitive. (SK)

Focuses on how to become the kind of leader you would want to work for. Concentrates on knowing yourself, including better understanding human behavior; knowing your people, including training opportunities and staff rewards; knowing your skills, including time management; knowing how to communicate; and knowing how to move forward, including…

Reviews research on development of children's beliefs about intelligence; proposes that this development represents simultaneous processes of concept acquisition and theory building. Discusses research foci on children's definitions of intelligence, beliefs about the component structure of intelligence, criteria children use to evaluate ability,…

Outlines an investigation into the types of learning experienced by adolescents involved in recreational youth theater. Proposes that youth theater has the capacity to provide essential rites of passage for young people. Concludes that drama has the potential to be a creator of consciousness during adolescence. (PM)

Explores how individuals' conceptions of their family vary across stages of family development. Compares several hypotheses of how key interpersonal relationships shape individuals' intrapsychic experience of their family. Finds scant support for socialization theory but considerable support for social transaction theory. (SR)

The dichotomy between vocationalism and nonvocationalism is false because nonvocationalism is a misnomer. Liberal education for self-improvement, largely oriented toward women, is only nonvocational in that it rarely leads to paid work. In another sense, it is vocational in that it is concerned with preparation for the "job" of wife and mother.…

Explores how outdoor experiential education can facilitate personal growth and transformation by balancing adventure-based activities with inner-directed processes. Discusses transpersonal psychology and research on consciousness and brain functions relevant to the process of transformation. Describes a specific technique to access deeper levels…