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.