This book, the third in a series on the life course, has significance in today's world of research, professional practice, and public policy because it symbolizes the gradual reemergence of power in the social sciences. Focusing on "e;self-directedness and efficacy"e; over the life course, this text addresses the following issues:* the causes of change* how changes affect the individual, the family system, social groups, and society at large* how various disciplines--anthropology, sociology, psychology, epidemiology--approach this field of study, with consideration given to common themes and differencesFinally, an effort is made to develop a multidisciplinary perspective unique to the study of self-directedness and efficacy.

Rodin, Judith; Schooler, Carmi; Schaie, K. Warner

Contents: M.W. Riley, Foreword: The Life Course and the Crisis in Social Science. J. Rodin, Control by Any Other Name: Definitions, Concepts, and Processes. C.Schooler, Individualism and the Historical and Social- Structural Determinants of People's Concern Over Self-Directedness and Efficacy. J.W. Meyer, Individualisms: Social Experience and Cultural Formulation. D.R. Heise, Careers, Career Trajectories and the Self. R.P. Abeles, Schemas, Sense of Control and Aging. A. Foner, Social Constraints on Self-Directedness Over the Life Course. J. R. Weisz, Development of Control-Related Beliefs, Goals, and Styles in Childhood and Adolescence: A Clinical Perspective. M. Rosenberg, Control of Environment and Control of Self. C.A. Berg, What is Intellectual Efficacy Over the Life Course?: Using Adults' Conceptions to Address the Question. G.W. Evans, M.A. Lewis, The Role of Adaptive Processes in Intellectual Functioning Among Older Adults. D.J. Herrmann, Self-Perceptions of Memory Performance. S.L. Syme, Control and Health: An Epidemiological Perspective. S. Cohen, Control and the Epidemiology of Physical Health: Where Do We Go From Here? C. Peterson, Personal Control and Health Promotion: A Psychological Perspective. C. Schooler, Afterword.