Results from a survey are presented that provide initial indications of the importance of linguistic and communicative processes to an understanding of midlife. The Communication Accommodation Theory is invoked in the development of a model of one particular process within the area of communication and middle-age--the socialization of the…

Argues that an understanding of the dynamics of life transitions is crucial to effective adult education programs. Examines the "stage/phase" theory of transitions, maintaining that transitions occur in predictable sequences, and the "life event" theory, which views transitions as the result of social processes. (22 citations) (MAB)

Identifies research issues of interest to life course and aging scholars that would be enriched by increased attention to social-psychological principles and, conversely, identification of social-psychological research topics that would be advanced by increased attention to life course and aging issues. (SNR)

The rapid growth in the number of older adult learners presents new challenges and opportunities for adult educators. These include facilitating the development of individuals as they make the transition to their later years and of American society as it struggles to reenvision aging.

This book is the first in a series of six pocket-sized books written for career changers and laid-off workers. Each book is written at a 7th- to 10th-grade reading level and contains examples, hands-on self-discovery exercises, and step-by-step advice for a successful job search. This book defines a simple strategy for success in getting a job in…

Although the rate of divorce among older Americans has increased steadily, little attention has been paid to late life divorce. To describe the role of age and other factors which might influence adjustment to divorce in later life, data from a larger pilot study were used: 81 divorced persons over the age of 60 completed in-depth, structured…

The increased college attendance of mature women students has played a major role in the changing demographics of college enrollment. This study examined the experience of reentry women during the initial period of adjustment from the time just prior to college entrance to the end of their first or second academic year. A pre- and post-test…

Changing careers during adulthood has been recognized only recently as a natural part of the development of adult life. A study estimated that 36 percent of all Americans are in some stage of the career transition process. Career changes are becoming increasingly common for women, for workers whose skills have become obsolete, for individuals…

This study examines whether parents' reports of well-being are related to the level of parent-adolescent conflict in the family and their youngsters' level of emotional autonomy. Findings indicate the parents' experience of midlife identity concerns is positively related to the level of emotional autonomy reported by same-sex children. (Author/LMO)

Studied 70 rural and urban midlife couples to explore fathers' and mothers' responses to an adolescent leaving home. Found few rural-urban differences, but sex differences appeared salient. Most respondents had little difficulty with the transition. When dysfunction was experienced, boundary ambiguity proved a strong predictor of somatitization…

Because of inaccurate assumptions and biases in developmental theories, the unique concerns of middle-aged women have not been sufficiently addressed. They must reconcile their masculine and feminine selves by reassessing their interpersonal relationships, their physical beings, and the meaning of work and achievement. Describes a four-phase…

Addresses the counseling needs of older persons and the response of the counseling psychology field. Dicusses gerontological counseling in relation to life transitions; counseling theory; counseling programs; group, individual and family counseling; counseling techniques; senile dementia; and outcome research. (JAC)

Surveyed 172 male dentists to examine the extent to which they felt trapped in a one life/one career imperative. Results showed 84 percent agreed that most professionals can pursue only one career. Dentists undergoing a midlife crisis were less satisfied with their careers. (JAC)

This paper problematizes the role of caring in women's persistence in literacy programs. The paper draws from the author/researcher's doctoral research, a study of 10 mid-life multi-ethnic Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language women learners and their lifelong experiences of literacy, schooling, and learning, both inside and…

Recounts experiences of a British Columbia Institute of Technology librarian on a six-month job exchange with a New South Wales Institute of Technology (Australia) counterpart, and offers planning hints for librarians interested in preparing for a mid-career move. (EJS)