Multidisciplinary studies of adulthood have revolutionized thinking
about developmental processes during the second half of life. These ideas
are just beginning to be integrated with clinical theory and practice. The
elaboration of the interface between the rapidly expanding developmental
theory of normal adulthood and clinical intervention with older patients is
a psychiatric frontier. Illustrating with clinical examples, the authors
offer a rationale for using new diagnostic tools, suggest a revision of the
theory of transference to include sources beyond childhood, and describe
unique transference paradigms in older patients as well as equally phase-
specific countertransference responses in their therapists.
Abstract Teaser