Relationships in old age : coping with the challenge of transition /

In a solid contribution to a rapidly growing body of literature on caregiving relationships, the authors (psychology, Univ. of Tulsa) focus on what individuals can do to develop and maintain appropriate and functional relationships in later life. The book is a well-written effort to develop a conceptual framework to guide future research and practice with older people. The first five chapters introduce the concept of relational competence, the ongoing process of adapting to changing circumstances. The authors examine the problematic nature of supportive relationships in old age, identify obstacles to family support and caregiving, and describe an integrative model of interpersonal networks in old age. Although it is technically not a stage theory of increasing dependence, the model does describe how interpersonal relationships may change as the health and social functioning of an older person also change. The latter half of the book further develops the concept of relational competence by describing its components and how they might be measured. Additional chapters focus on possible research strategies to examine related social functioning issues and on possible intervention techniques that can enhance social and psychological well-being. The text concludes with a brief examination of selected problems of the elderly and a summary chapter. The book should have immediate application for practitioners, counselors, and clinicians in the helping professions. It develops a well-grounded theoretical approach to changes in physical and social functioning, and it also has practical relevance for researchers and practicing gerontologists. Upper-division undergraduate; graduate; professional. L. A. Baumhover; University of Alabama