Reflective journal writing helps individuals garner information about themselves and construct larger meanings. Techniques include freewriting; list making; describing one-minute in-depth, writing dialogues; and envisioning the future. (SK)

Presents integrated paradigm for wellness and prevention over the life span for purpose of theory building, research, clinical application, education, advocacy, and consciousness raising. Model described includes 11 characteristics desirable for optimal health and functioning. Notes characteristics are expressed through five life tasks of…

Used observation and interviewing techniques adapted from ethnography in lifespan human development courses. Technique assisted students in becoming aware of previously "invisible" everyday activities and in assessing their own values. Students began to develop vital observation and interviewing skills. Technique facilitated integration of…

Examined whether ego identity status transition pathways and change rates differ significantly across domains of identity development from adolescence through middle adulthood. Interviews with 100 middle-aged adults regarding development of values in vocation, religion, politics, gender roles, and relationships identified 8 subgroups which varied…

Presents critical reading of "A Theory of Knowledge" by Joyce Carol Oates, which appears in recently published collection of stories about aging. Analyzes story in terms of two ideas in current adult developmental theory, the idea of personal narrative as developed by Cohler, and the idea of generativity as developed by Erikson, Kotre,…

Explores developmental implications for fathers of underinvolvement in child care using Erikson's conception of adult development and his emphasis on achieving generativity. Suggests processes by which fathers may develop generativity and outlines challenges they face in achieving it. Suggests that man's involvement in child care may be crucial to…

Contends that developmental, determinist, and contextualist psychologists, although all studying reminiscence in older adults, have not fully acknowledged the role the environment plays in establishing reminiscent behavior in elderly people. Suggests including sociological life course theory in the analyses and interpretation of this behavior.…

Case studies of 11 executive women were used to characterize them as compliant novices, competence seekers, or change agents. Each category had different learning tactics, negotiation strategies, and transition characteristics related to career development. Relationships were highly important throughout the women's careers. (SK)

Links adult literacy-learning to a philosophy of self-actualization, scaffolding pedagogy, and inclusion. Bases the discussion on John Dewey's concept of growth and Myron C. Tuman's developmental social theory. (SK)

Studies show that people who volunteer are happier and healthier, perhaps due to enhanced social support, less self-focus, and fewer goal conflicts. Volunteering seems most beneficial for people whose social activities provide cognitive support for coping with major developmental challenges. (SK)

A middle-aged teacher reflects on her career, finding that her relationship to teaching has deepened and changed. She describes how her students have educated her as much as she has educated them. (SK)

Pre/posttest scores of 30 participants in H. Stephen Glenn's Developing Capable People (DCP) program offered by Montana Extension showed that DCP effectively increased the use of positive behaviors and decreased negative behaviors in adults interacting with youth. These changes were sustained over 18 months after program completion. (SK)

Learning autobiographies enable adult learners to gain a deeper insight into theories of adult learning. Writing their learning autobiographies helps adults chart how they have grown and developed. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/JOW)

A cross-sectional study of educated men and women showed that cautiousness, as measured by perceived problem-solving ability, does not increase with age. Sex differences were nonsignificant. The results are discussed in terms of R. Schultz and J. Heckhausen's Life Span Model of Successful Aging. (Contains 28 references and 1 table.) (Author)

A narrative approach can eliminate the shortcomings of stage and phase models of adult development. Narrative is based on constructivist epistemology and central to human meaning making. Time and narrative are integrally related; narrative is historical and can be understood as interpretation of life stories. Individual and cultural narratives are…