This special issue features:
*possible developmental linkages between the identity statuses of late adolescence and different statuses of intimacy, generativity, and integrity, during adult life;
*previous studies of identity assimilation, accommodation, and balance processes, and a study that explores the relationships of various defense mechanisms to self-esteem and identity experiences during adult life;
*the role of emotions in identity development, particularly during adult life;
*issues of identity process and contents during the years of late adulthood; and
*research on gender differences in identity development during mid-adulthood.