Women in young and mid-adulthood: theory advancement and retroduction.

This research explicated developmental constructs in women at the Age 30 and Age 50 Transitions. Fifty-five women participated in field study conducted over 16 years. Data collection strategies included interviews, focus groups, a life history technique, participant observation, and electronic participation. Individual and cohort effects were observed using interpretative analysis techniques. Concepts from Erikson's theory of psychosocial development were used for theoretical retroduction. The psychosocial tasks of the Age 30 Transition are identity confusion and intimacy as well as generativity. The challenge of the Age 50 Transition is to continue the tasks of intimacy and generativity and add integrity.