| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to describe the life themes and motivations associated with the psychosocial transition occurring among students who ranged in age from 28 to 35 years and who were re-entering a university environment. Eight women and eight men participated in structured individual interviews lasting from 1½ to 3 hours. Binomial tests showed that more participants were oriented toward their present life than were oriented toward their future life; a larger number were concerned about resolving conflicts with family, friends, and self than were concerned about future careers. Rank orderings of values by men and women reflected opposite poles of Erikson's intimacy versus isolation dichotomy and Levinson's attachment-separation dichotomy. Results are discussed in relationship to socialization to delay gratification and to development of a sense of generativity. Findings implied the need for greater attention by educators to students' interests and to mentoring relationships. |
