Includes bibliographical references (pages 323-330) and index.
Contents
Preface -- The authors -- Introduction -- Part one: How adults view themselves at different ages -- Exploring the self: Objective impressions -- Further explorations of the self: Subjective descriptions -- Being flexible versus rigid -- Reactions to social change -- Effects of childhood deprivation and adult adaptability -- Impact of life stress: Crisis or challenge? -- Influence of mythical and forgotten stressors -- Resources and deficits: Clues to how adults handle stress -- Part three: What matters most at the four stages of adulthood -- Goals and values: Giving life meaning -- Sense of commitment: A fundamental human concern -- Having enough life satisfaction: The measure of life's quality -- Epilogue: Charting change and continuity over the life course.