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In this volume distinguished scholars explore and apply the theoretical models of continuity and discontinuity to their research in adult development. The chapters address the different ways in which continuity is affected by change over the life course, as well as how individuals negotiate and maintain crucial continuities by adaptive change. Topics include adult life crises, illness, sibling relationships, and gender identity. Each chapter is followed by an insightful commentary. This book is a tribute to Bernice L. Neugarten for her contributions to the field of adult development, which inc

The extension of life expectancy has made possible the life cycle transitions we have come to associate with middle and later years. Because more and more Americans now live to see middle age, old age, and even advanced old age, these stages of life have been democratized. They have been made accessible to a broad cross-section of the population, rather than to only a select few. In conjunction with more generational independence of living arrangements, longer lifetimes have given rise to the empty nest followed by a postmarital period of solitary living. Changes in labor force participation patterns have meant that older persons today experience a relatively new life-style and life stage called retirement.

The extension of life expectancy has made possible the life cycle transitions recently associated with middle & later years. Because more & more Americans now live to middle age, old age, & even advanced old age, these stages of life have been democratized, or made accessible to a broad cross-section of the population, rather than to only a select few. In conjunction with more generational independence of living arrangements, longer lifetimes have given rise to the empty nest followed by a postmarital period of solitary living. Changes in LF participation patterns have meant that most older persons today experience the relatively new life stage of retirement. 1 Table, 1 Figure. HA.

A major aim of contemporary research on multigenerational families is to investigate changes in intergenerational dynamics within the context of changing historical times. We highlight ways in which recent historical trends such as population aging, changing patterns of family formation and dissolution, changing life cycle boundaries and women's increased laborforce participation have altered family structures, functions, and role expectations, especially those of women. Illustrating the usefulness of the life course perspective in family research, results from a longitudinal study of five cohorts of women are presented. Findings show that in midlife Baby Boom women are significantly more depressed and have lower self‐esteem than older cohorts of women, despite their earlier advantages. Work/family stress contributed to higher depression. Baby Boom women dissatisfied with their marriages were significantly more depressed in midlife than Silent Generation women, at comparable levels of dissatisfaction, suggesting the meaning of marriage may have shifted. Biographical and historical timing appeared to matter for the psychological functioning of Baby Boom women in midlife. Silent Generation women did not have to juggle work and family in the same way as Baby Boom women. Having started their child bearing at a later age, Baby Boomers were then confronted by a changing economy, the intensified demands of work and family and the growing contingency of marriage and employment.

Trends in political alienation may be defined in terms of one or more of three age-related explanations reflecting different aspects of change over time. These may be posed as the following set of hypotheses: (1) trends in political alienation represent cumulative effects of maturational pro cesses—aging—of subgroups within the population; (2) trends in political alienation represent the flow of successive generational cohorts through the population; (3) trends in political alienation reflect political and historical events or periods which affect all members of the population in a similar fashion. The purpose of this research is to discern the plausibility of these hypotheses by analyzing data on political alienation via the technique of cohort analysis. An analysis of three nationwide political attitude surveys re vealed that, of the three possible explanations, the historical or period effect best explains changes in political alienation across the years 1952 to 1968. Much less marked is a trend attributable to generational effects. No maturation or aging effects were evident.