ABSTRACT
We began this paper with the assumption that there is new psychological growth during adulthood. This is not an altogether new or bold assumption, yet it is surprisingly undeveloped in the research literature. In casting around for an explanation for how cognitive and emotional growth might take a new course in adulthood, we were struck by our own role of adulthood. In some cultures, becoming a parent is a major indicator of adult status. If any new experiences of adulthood were to produce a period of openness to new learning and to stimulate new coping strategies, parenting must certainly be a prime candidate.
