Paul Mussen

Continuity and Change in Women's Characteristics over Four Decades

Fifty-three mothers of participants in the Guidance Study of the Institute of Human Development at the University of California, Berkeley, were rated on 21 cognitive and personality-social characteristics at approximately 30 years of age and again at age 70. As judged by the interage correlations, all 5 of the cognitive variables and 10 of the 16 personality variables, proved to be relatively stable over the 40-year period. Ratings of intelligence, mental alertness, speed of mental processes, use of language, and accuracy in thinking were relatively consistent and the following personality-social characteristics also showed continuity over the 40-year interval: talkativeness, cheerfulness, frankness in discussion, tendency to criticize, excitability, energy level and self-esteem. Ratings of self-assurance, attitude toward child and satisfaction with life showed little stability over this long interval. A new factor analytic method was used to extract 3 factors common to both ages, together with 2 factors specific to age 30 and 3 factors specific to age 70.

Acceptance of Handicap, Motivation, and Adjustment in Physically Disabled Children

AL L who are involved in the education of handicapped children-parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, and -occupational therapists-must, of course, -be concerned with the childrens physical well-being as well as academic and vocational preparation. In addition, their goals must include good general psychological adjustment for the disabled. Thus, effective work with the crippled children depends upon understanding both their physical difficulties and their special emotional and social problems.