Jan D. Sinnott – författare

Relationships, especially close relationships, are among the most important aspects of life for most of us. Close relationships reach to the very heart of our happiness --but exactly what processes or skills, over the course of a lifetime, help us learn to relate to one another more and more deeply, and to grow past the differences and problems that might divide us?Adult Development applies the concept of complex postformal thought in order to explore how certain cognitive processes support individuals' close relationships such that those relationships grow stronger and richer over time. Complex postformal thought allows a person to deal with everyday logical contradictions by letting that person understand that "reality" and "meaning" are co-created. In this way, postformal thought enables adults to bridge two contradictory but logical positions and reach an adaptive synthesis of them through a higher-order logic. Taking this inquiry a step further, Sinnott examines the role played by postformal thought in intimate relationships -- those between spouses, partners, parents and children, siblings, and close friends. Sinnott argues that postformal thought seems to develop later in life and is somewhat akin to the concept of wisdom. Based on 30 years of research, this book diverges from typical contributions to this field by discussing positive adult development in the context of close relationships. Rather than focusing on the emergence of deficits of adulthood and particularly aging, Sinnott instead explores the cognitive processes that are important in creating and sustaining close ongoing relationships.

Relationships, especially close relationships, are among the most important aspects of life for most of us. Close relationships reach to the very heart of our happiness --but exactly what processes or skills, over the course of a lifetime, help us learn to relate to one another more and more deeply, and to grow past the differences and problems that might divide us?Adult Development applies the concept of complex postformal thought in order to explore how certain cognitive processes support individuals'' close relationships such that those relationships grow stronger and richer over time. Complex postformal thought allows a person to deal with everyday logical contradictions by letting that person understand that "reality" and "meaning" are co-created. In this way, postformal thought enables adults to bridge two contradictory but logical positions and reach an adaptive synthesis of them through a higher-order logic. Taking this inquiry a step further, Sinnott examines the role played by postformal thought in intimate relationships -- those between spouses, partners, parents and children, siblings, and close friends. Sinnott argues that postformal thought seems to develop later in life and is somewhat akin to the concept of wisdom. Based on 30 years of research, this book diverges from typical contributions to this field by discussing positive adult development in the context of close relationships. Rather than focusing on the emergence of deficits of adulthood and particularly aging, Sinnott instead explores the cognitive processes that are important in creating and sustaining close ongoing relationships.

Psychological, educational, gerontological, marketing, and other literatures all report recent research in everyday problem solving, yet few sources have made these various types of results available in one state-of-the-art volume. Everyday Problem Solving makes accessible many of these points of view for all readers, coordinates them, and provides directions from which to formulate new studies. The wide but methodical scope of this work will interest researchers, clinicians, philosophers, marketing specialists, administrators, artificial intelligence scientists, educators, guidance counselors and psychologists. Undergraduate and graduate students in these fields will also find this an invaluable source.The collection of reports includes an examination of models from information processing theory and postformal cognitive developmental theory, and an overview of the tasks used in everyday problem solving research. Several leading theories, including Sinnott's, are applied to describe the thoughts and emotions of adults as they solve illstructured problems. Reports on applied research include: techniques of master teachers; the ways adults resolve conflicts; consumer behavior; academic intelligence; the connection of memory to problem solving; intervention strategies and the elderly.

In recent years, a number of researchers have begun to question the Piagetian theory that cognitive structural development ends with the adolescent's acquisition of formal operations and have begun to focus on the development of thought in late adolescence and adulthood. This volume brings together the work of numerous scholars in cognitive social, and perceptual development to explore the nature of postformal thought. The contributors represent the diversity of models and approaches that characterize the ongoing research in this area and, at the same time, act to unify this body of literature within a common framework of analysis. Students, researchers, and practicing psychologists will find her important new insights into the evolution of thought processes throughout the human lifespan.A number of the papers present alternative, but closely related models of postformal cognition, as well as techniques of measuring postformal thought. Of special interest is the presentation of data supporting claims that thought represents a stage qualitatively distinct from the transition between hierarchical and formal operations. The opening chapter describes Beethoven's cognitive development in late adolescence and adulthood, while subsequent essays discuss the modifications of formal structures that develop in the attempt to use formal reasoning in real-life problem solving. A set of studies that extend the study of postformal thought into the domains of moral thought and social reasoning complete the volume.

In recent years, researchers have begun to focus attention on postformal thought--the development of thought in late adolescence and adulthood--questioning Piaget's early terminus of structural development in adolescence. This volume brings together the works of distinguished authors in the field of postformal-operational cognitive, social, and perceptual development to examine the models and methodology used to investigate postformal thought. The contributors represent the variety of approaches that characterize this body of research, while, at the same time, seeking to unify this diverse literature with a common language. An ideal text for advanced courses in adult development, this volume is also a primary reference for developmental and educational psychologists and students working in the fields of cognitive development, adolescent and adult development, and lifespan development.Divided into four parts, the volume begins by examining both Piagetian and nonstructural models of adult cognitive development, considering them in light of current research developments. Individual papers address models of equilibrium, knowledge, reflective judgment, ego-development, and consciousness. In Part II, the contributors discuss the measurement and comparison of cognitive development in adults, exploring such topics as construct validity and theories of adult development, the structural and developmental relations between formal and postformal capacities, and the relationship between Piagetian and Kohlbergian stages. The third section assesses the research and theory of adult reasoning in the moral domain, while the concluding chapter investigates critical evaluations of postformal research. Numerous tables and figures enhance the discussions.

This volume examines positive development across adulthood with particular emphasis on postformal thought. The editors acknowledge that researchers have compiled a substantial body of descriptive evidence about the styles of thinking used by adults under certain conditions. The questions that remain are whether these styles reflect qualitative changes; how these styles develop; whether there are necessary precursors; why there is content specificity; what the relationship is to physiological or neurological development; whether adults can deliberately control postformal thought; how postformal thought develops in different cultures; what key developmental experiences, if any, are needed for postformal thought to develop; and what postformal thought means in a practical sense.These questions are addressed by the research and theory discussed in this volume. The contributors reflect a diversity of backgrounds assumptions, disciplines, and methods. Postformal thought and its correlates are described from physiological, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and clinical perspectives.

In this book Jan D. Sinnott synthesizes her 20 years of research on lifespan cognitive development to describe the growth of complex (or `postformal') thought in adults. She shows specifically how adults improve mentally over a lifetime and learn to think in more complex and wiser ways. Applications of postformal thought are demonstrated in such diverse areas as - family relations - adult education - personal identity - and spirituality. Chapters examine relations between postformal thought and pertinent variables such as age, health, memory, and vocabulary. Other sections deal with issues in humanistic psychology such as - guided imagery - mind - body medicine - and creative intentionality.

This interdisciplinary handbook is the first to provide an overview of research and theory about formal and informal adult learning. Jan Sinnott and a team of experts from different fields analyze and synthesize the state of the art today--how mature and aging adults learn and what their motivations are. This major reference examines important theories and models, learning in specific life contexts, the influence of aging on learning, and the future of adult lifespan learning. Extensive reference materials have been developed for students, teachers, policymakers, and practitioners to use in the fields of gerontology, psychology, education, and counseling.

In recent years, researchers have begun to focus attention on postformal thought--the development of thought in late adolescence and adulthood--questioning Piaget's early terminus of structural development in adolescence. This volume brings together the works of distinguished authors in the field of postformal-operational cognitive, social, and perceptual development to examine the models and methodology used to investigate postformal thought. The contributors represent the variety of approaches that characterize this body of research, while, at the same time, seeking to unify this diverse literature with a common language. An ideal text for advanced courses in adult development, this volume is also a primary reference for developmental and educational psychologists and students working in the fields of cognitive development, adolescent and adult development, and lifespan development.Divided into four parts, the volume begins by examining both Piagetian and nonstructural models of adult cognitive development, considering them in light of current research developments. Individual papers address models of equilibrium, knowledge, reflective judgment, ego-development, and consciousness. In Part II, the contributors discuss the measurement and comparison of cognitive development in adults, exploring such topics as construct validity and theories of adult development, the structural and developmental relations between formal and postformal capacities, and the relationship between Piagetian and Kohlbergian stages. The third section assesses the research and theory of adult reasoning in the moral domain, while the concluding chapter investigates critical evaluations of postformal research. Numerous tables and figures enhance the discussions.

In this book Jan D. Sinnott synthesizes her 20 years of research on lifespan cognitive development to describe the growth of complex (or `postformal') thought in adults. She shows specifically how adults improve mentally over a lifetime and learn to think in more complex and wiser ways. Applications of postformal thought are demonstrated in such diverse areas as - family relations - adult education - personal identity - and spirituality. Chapters examine relations between postformal thought and pertinent variables such as age, health, memory, and vocabulary. Other sections deal with issues in humanistic psychology such as - guided imagery - mind - body medicine - and creative intentionality.

Everyday Memory and Aging is a comprehensive handbook whichtouches virtually every aspect of current everyday memoryresearch and methodology as they relate to aging. This bookdemonstrates that the results of divergent approaches to thestudy of everyday memory and aging frequently dovetail, andit widens significantly the scope of investigation and know-ledge in the field.

Everyday Memory and Aging is a comprehensive handbook whichtouches virtually every aspect of current everyday memoryresearch and methodology as they relate to aging. This bookdemonstrates that the results of divergent approaches to thestudy of everyday memory and aging frequently dovetail, andit widens significantly the scope of investigation and know-ledge in the field.

Positive Psychology and Adult Motivation examines the cognitions, traits, and contexts of behavior that are associated with optimal development and resilience through the entire life course. The book investigates the personal psychological development through the stages of emerging adulthood, full adulthood, middle age, and old age as individuals and how they respond positively to them. It explores which traits are needed and which aspects of the environment help a person to truly flourish, thrive and grow. The volume describes the development of resilience as well as other characteristics that will assist individuals in overcoming challenges through adult development.

In this book Jan D. Sinnott synthesizes her 20 years of research on lifespan cognitive development to describe the growth of complex (or `postformal'') thought in adults. She shows specifically how adults improve mentally over a lifetime and learn to think in more complex and wiser ways. Applications of postformal thought are demonstrated in such diverse areas as - family relations - adult education - personal identity - and spirituality. Chapters examine relations between postformal thought and pertinent variables such as age, health, memory, and vocabulary. Other sections deal with issues in humanistic psychology such as - guided imagery - mind - body medicine - and creative intentionality.

Positive Psychology and Adult Motivation examines the cognitions, traits, and contexts of behavior that are associated with optimal development and resilience through the entire life course. The book investigates the personal psychological development through the stages of emerging adulthood, full adulthood, middle age, and old age as individuals and how they respond positively to them. It explores which traits are needed and which aspects of the environment help a person to truly flourish, thrive and grow. The volume describes the development of resilience as well as other characteristics that will assist individuals in overcoming challenges through adult development.

This book is for professors, administrators, government officials, and every part of global society that has a stake in higher education or the problems faced by humanity today. It is also for students, their families, and communities who want a different performance from institutions of higher education. Its purpose is to start, stimulate, and encourage a dialogue about higher education and the way it is experienced today. We have attempted to do more than give some absolute model, wanting to provide mechanisms for ongoing dialogue-based transformation. The dialogue begins with the offering of a model of the way higher education could be reinvented. This model is built on certain assumptions about learning, work, and the environment and purpose of higher education. Within these parameters, it is acknowledged that this model is only one out of a possible hundred different ways to get to the same place.

This book is for professors, administrators, government officials, and every part of global society that has a stake in higher education or the problems faced by humanity today. It is also for students, their families, and communities who want a different performance from institutions of higher education. Its purpose is to start, stimulate, and encourage a dialogue about higher education and the way it is experienced today. We have attempted to do more than give some absolute model, wanting to provide mechanisms for ongoing dialogue-based transformation. The dialogue begins with the offering of a model of the way higher education could be reinvented. This model is built on certain assumptions about learning, work, and the environment and purpose of higher education. Within these parameters, it is acknowledged that this model is only one out of a possible hundred different ways to get to the same place.

This volume seeks to add a unique perspective on the complex relationship between psychology and politics, focusing on three analytical points of view: 1) psychology, politics, and complex thought,  2) bio/psycho/social factors of masculinity and power, and 3) underlying factors in political behavior. Contributors examine recent political events worldwide through a psychological lens, using interdisciplinary approaches to seek a deeper understanding of contemporary political ideas, psychologies, and behaviors. Finally, the book offers suggestions for surviving and thriving during rapid political change.Among the topics discussed:Biopsychological factors of political beliefs and behaviorsUnderstanding political polarization through a cognitive lensImpact of psychological processes on voter decision makingMotivations for believing in conspiracy theoriesNonverbal cues in leadershipAuthoritarian responses to social changeThe Psychology of Political Behavior in a Time of Change is a timely and insightful volume for students and researchers in psychology, political science, gender studies, business and marketing, and sociology, as well as those working in applied settings: practitioners, government workers, NGOs, corporate organizations.

This volume seeks to add a unique perspective on the complex relationship between psychology and politics, focusing on three analytical points of view: 1) psychology, politics, and complex thought,  2) bio/psycho/social factors of masculinity and power, and 3) underlying factors in political behavior. Contributors examine recent political events worldwide through a psychological lens, using interdisciplinary approaches to seek a deeper understanding of contemporary political ideas, psychologies, and behaviors. Finally, the book offers suggestions for surviving and thriving during rapid political change.

Among the topics discussed:

Biopsychological factors of political beliefs and behaviorsUnderstanding political polarization through a cognitive lensImpact of psychological processes on voter decision makingMotivations for believing in conspiracy theoriesNonverbal cues in leadershipAuthoritarian responses to social changeThe Psychology of Political Behavior in a Time of Change is a timely and insightful volume for students and researchers in psychology, political science, gender studies, business and marketing, and sociology, as well as those working in applied settings: practitioners, government workers, NGOs, corporate organizations.

This volume seeks to add a unique perspective on the complex relationship between psychology and politics, focusing on three analytical points of view: 1) psychology, politics, and complex thought,  2) bio/psycho/social factors of masculinity and power, and 3) underlying factors in political behavior. Contributors examine recent political events worldwide through a psychological lens, using interdisciplinary approaches to seek a deeper understanding of contemporary political ideas, psychologies, and behaviors. Finally, the book offers suggestions for surviving and thriving during rapid political change.Among the topics discussed:Biopsychological factors of political beliefs and behaviorsUnderstanding political polarization through a cognitive lensImpact of psychological processes on voter decision makingMotivations for believing in conspiracy theoriesNonverbal cues in leadershipAuthoritarian responses to social changeThe Psychology of Political Behavior in a Time of Change is a timely and insightful volume for students and researchers in psychology, political science, gender studies, business and marketing, and sociology, as well as those working in applied settings: practitioners, government workers, NGOs, corporate organizations.

This book analyzes and offers strategies for overcoming polarized thinking across a broad range of subjects, such as culture, politics, biology, social relations, religion and the physical world. Tracing how cognition can lead to either/or thinking, it reveals the nature of binary world views. This kind of thinking is trapped in cortical binaries that result in emotional struggles and limited views rather than a wider perspective on life. It promotes awareness of what can be cognitive limitations involving the fear of openness to experience and the waging battles that might be avoided. A timely publication, this volume fosters understanding and clarity of thinking to key issues of our time, including political divisions, climate change, and spirituality. It will be relevant to personality, clinical, and social psychologists as well as professionals in psychiatry and social work.

This book analyzes and offers strategies for overcoming polarized thinking across a broad range of subjects, such as culture, politics, biology, social relations, religion and the physical world. Tracing how cognition can lead to either/or thinking, it reveals the nature of binary world views. This kind of thinking is trapped in cortical binaries that result in emotional struggles and limited views rather than a wider perspective on life. It promotes awareness of what can be cognitive limitations involving the fear of openness to experience and the waging battles that might be avoided. A timely publication, this volume fosters understanding and clarity of thinking to key issues of our time, including political divisions, climate change, and spirituality. It will be relevant to personality, clinical, and social psychologists as well as professionals in psychiatry and social work.

This volume seeks to explore the idea of identity as a flexible center of events around which aspects of the self and events in the outside world are organized.  Historically, in much of the literature, identity was conceptualized as a somewhat fixed, unchanging construct. Scholars now have a greater awareness of more nuanced theories about identity and there is a greater willingness to accept that identity is not fixed, concrete, and permanent, but rather evolving and fluid.Although this volume discusses a wide variety of aspects of identity as it flexibly changes during adulthood in the face of numerous experiences, it is really addressing one key question.  How adaptive and fluid is identity and how can we know ourselves as both continuing and changing?  Exploring these ideas raises the importance of future research on adult identity. With a firm grounding in the historical and theoretical background of identity research, this volume begins by defining identityand the psychological “self” as a center around which the person’s behaviors and self-concepts revolve. The following chapters gather the wisdom of many writers who all accepted the challenge of talking about creating a flexible adult self and identity during adulthood.  They  come at this challenging question from many different perspectives using different tools.  Some survey existing literature and theory, then summarize prior work in a meaningful way.  Some discuss their own research; some reflect on personal experiences that have demanded a flexible identity.  Also included in the coverage are discussions of methodology and validity issues for studies and scales of identity.   With its dual focus on research and applied fields ranging across social and personality psychology, industrial/occupational psychology, cross-cultural psychology, mental health, existential issues, relationships, and  demographic categories, Identity Flexibility During Adulthood: Perspectives on Adult Development is a fascinating and complex resource for psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, gerontologists, and all those interested in our changing identities.

This volume seeks to explore the idea of identity as a flexible center of events around which aspects of the self and events in the outside world are organized.  Historically, in much of the literature, identity was conceptualized as a somewhat fixed, unchanging construct. Scholars now have a greater awareness of more nuanced theories about identity and there is a greater willingness to accept that identity is not fixed, concrete, and permanent, but rather evolving and fluid.

 Although this volume discusses a wide variety of aspects of identity as it flexibly changes during adulthood in the face of numerous experiences, it is really addressing one key question.  How adaptive and fluid is identity and how can we know ourselves as both continuing and changing?  Exploring these ideas raises the importance of future research on adult identity.

With a firm grounding in the historical and theoretical background of identity research, this volume begins by defining identity and the psychological “self” as a center around which the person’s behaviors and self-concepts revolve. The following chapters gather the wisdom of many writers who all accepted the challenge of talking about creating a flexible adult self and identity during adulthood.  They  come at this challenging question from many different perspectives using different tools.  Some survey existing literature and theory, then summarize prior work in a meaningful way.  Some discuss their own research; some reflect on personal experiences that have demanded a flexible identity.  Also included in the coverage are discussions of methodology and validity issues for studies and scales of identity.   With its dual focus on research and applied fields ranging across social and personality psychology, industrial/occupational psychology, cross-cultural psychology, mental health, existential issues, relationships, and  demographic categories, Identity Flexibility During Adulthood: Perspectives on Adult Development is a fascinating and complex resource for psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, gerontologists, and all those interested in our changing identities.