This unique volume presents the results of a study of 200 German families over a period of 16 years from 1976 to 1992. This study--the findings of which yield a host of new insights into the dynamics of cross-generational personality and family development--is based on an ecopsychological framework comprising four levels of developmental analyses:
* individual level--personality development, critical life events, and corresponding coping strategies;
* dyadic relationships level--changes in parent-child relationships across time and development of marital relationships;
* family relationship level--development of family climate and its impact on current dyadic relationships; and
* contextual/ecological level--perceived changes in societal conditions, corresponding patterns of personality and coping strategies.

The authors focus on the important ideas and keep methodological details to a minimum in the text. Technical issues having to do with data analysis, etc., are discussed in an appendix.

Klaus Schneewind, Klaus A. Schneewind, Stefan Ruppert

Contents: R. Radler, Foreword. Preface. Families in Context. Personality Development Across the Generations. Critical Life Events and Coping With Stress. Changes in Childrearing. Relations Between Parents and Their Adult Children. Marital or Partner Relations in Parents and Children. Changes in Family Climate. Perception of Changes in Society. Final Comments.