Suchergebnisse

In this exploratory study, data were collected from 64 men and women experiencing midlife transitions. Transformations of life structure during the phases of midlife transition were noted. Some changes (degree of conflict, temporariness, and fulfillment potential) were best accounted for by the act of progressing through the steps of this major transition in life; other changes in life structure (complexity, flexibility, and self-determination) were better accounted for by an internal process of paradigm shifting.

Transitions are ubiqitious phenomena in modern life. This research sets forth a grounded theory phase sequence model of the transition process. The model is used to explore the midlife transition in terms of emotionality, changing career and family investments, and movement toward autonomy at the workplace. Implications for careerists and human resource management are suggested.

This paper investigates the relationship between patterns of life structure and variability in self. It presents new methods for assessing two kinds of variability in self and four dimensions of life structure (complexity, conflict, flexibility, and compartmentation). Data for these measures were gathered through the design of a research program in which subjects were invited into the data-gathering process as co-inquirers. Empirical data reveal a congruence between variability of self and the nature of a person's environment as it is reflected in dimensions of life structure. Variability of self is linked with the occupation of complex, flexible, compartmented, and highly conflictful life structures. Theoretical implications point toward the need to consider patterns of life structure and variability of self as dimensions of individual differences.