Discusses the causes of voluntary and involuntary midlife career changes by men. Examines factors to be considered by counselors whose clients are involved in these transitions. (RC)

Family relations research in the areas of family formation, premarital sexuality, mate selection, marital satisfaction, parenthood, and midlife transitions is examined and imperatives for future research are outlined. (SK)

Mid-career change programs have the potential to open faculty positions during these times of decline. Most current programs are intended to shift faculty to a different specialty or discipline, but data indicate that academics would be receptive to opportunities to move out of academe. Specific options are identified. (Author/LB)

Adult development theorists believe that the changes that occur during the adult years are predictable and age linked. Their theories explain how change is resolved by the majority of the adult population. Three persons whose research has been influential in the field of adult development during the 1970s are Erik Erikson, Daniel Levinson, and…

Examined the impact of the loss of a parent on middle-aged children. A lifelong process of anticipatory orphanhood is suggested as helping to prepare for the impact of a parent's death. Reaction involves the dialectic between the persistence and breaking of the bond and between finitude and personal growth. (JAC)

Some family transitions have been reshaped by demographic changes in recent years. Changes in mortality patterns have expanded the duration of individual lives and family relationships. The death of a child, once an expectable part of life, is now so rare that it constitutes a major life crisis. Facing the death of one's parents, still a normal…

Research evidence has accumulated to indicate that a sixth stage of career development--career renewal--occurs for many people between the end of the establishment stage and the beginning of the maintenance stage. Explains why a renewal stage was overlooked in the past, clarifies the meaning, and compares transitions of women and men. (Author/JBJ)

The need for new expertise in problem solving in the work setting has emerged as a woman's issue because work outside the home has become a primary means for personal goal attainment for about half the women in the United States and because traditional career patterns and norms are ineffective. Career planning is the process of individual career…

Midlife crises require different behavioral responses for women who have made decisions about marriage, motherhood, and career. For women experiencing midlife crises, assertiveness training has the potential to resolve conflicts. Assertiveness training (AT) consists of three components, i.e., skills training, anxiety reduction, and cognitive…

Discusses the recent phenomenon of older career changers and highlights some of the strengths and proactive strategies for such people. Issues include dealing realistically with negative perceptions and stressing advantages of the mature career changer. (Author)

Writings in the field of human development and learning in the adult years can be integrated into a simple theory. A theory is defined as a policy, hypothesis, or set of principles used or proposed as a basis for action. The adult years are defined as a time in which one makes choices with a degree of maturity and wisdom and assumes responsibility…

Despite many employers' opinions that incentive programs for early retirement are humane and desirable, such programs have several undesirable aspects for the retirees and the U.S. economy. The programs are actually termination programs because they function as a way employers can reduce their work force. (In fact, it was the 1973-75 and 1981-82…

This review considers how research in vocational behavior reflects demographic changes during the last 20 years. The themes of career and life transitions and person/situation matches for minorities, women, and older workers are evident. The research points to ways of enhancing employees' career resilience, insight, and identity. (180 references)…

Reasons for traditional faculty development programs' neglect of middle-aged, disillusioned faculty are explored. A plan is presented for involving colleagues, including department chairpersons, in efforts to reestablish communication and reinvolve these faculty in meaningful activities and rewards. (MSE)

Focuses on the career development problems of student personnel administrators. Discusses psychological problems common in middle adult years. Examines problems associated with career change, burnout, and relocation. (RC)