Relationships, especially close relationships, are among the most important aspects of life for most of us. Close relationships reach to the very heart of our happiness --but exactly what processes or skills, over the course of a lifetime, help us learn to relate to one another more and more deeply, and to grow past the differences and problems that might divide us? Adult Development applies the concept of complex postformal thought in order to explore how certain cognitive processes support individuals' close relationships such that those relationships grow stronger and richer over time. Complex postformal thought allows a person to deal with everyday logical contradictions by letting that person understand that "reality" and "meaning" are co-created. In this way, postformal thought enables adults to bridge two contradictory but logical positions and reach an adaptive synthesis of them through a higher-order logic. Taking this inquiry a step further, Sinnott examines the role played by postformal thought in intimate relationships -- those between spouses, partners, parents and children, siblings, and close friends. Sinnott argues that postformal thought seems to develop later in life and is somewhat akin to the concept of wisdom. Based on 30 years of research, this book diverges from typical contributions to this field by discussing positive adult development in the context of close relationships. Rather than focusing on the emergence of deficits of adulthood and particularly aging, Sinnott instead explores the cognitive processes that are important in creating and sustaining close ongoing relationships.

Jan Sinnott's volume on the ways in which adult cognitive development and attributes of mature emotional relationships inform one another represents groundbreaking thought. Too often we have partitioned complex thinking and emotional relationships into separate compartments without examining the crossover. Sinnott's book takes us into this connected terrain and does so admirably. * Carol H. Hoare, PhD, Professor of Human Development, The George Washington University *
Only Jan Sinnott could answer the seemingly impossible question of what quantum physics, postformal thinking in adulthood, and social cognition have in common. The answer-they are the keys to understanding why people do the things they do in relationships-is the reason why you must own this book. * John C. Cavanaugh, PhD, President and CEO, Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area *
In this book you are invited to come on a cognitive 'thrill ride.' Dr. Sinnott takes you on an exploration of a wild variety of ways of thinking-including problems solving, the use of wisdom, 'fuzzy set logic,' and a number of mind-expanding topics-as they relate to achieving intimacy through close relationships, one of our most basic needs. After reading this book you will not think or feel the same, and I believe that you will be a better human being. Isn't that the outcome of a great adventure? * Cameron J. Camp, PhD, Director of Applied Research, Center for Applied Research in Dementia *

Jan D. Sinnott, PhD, is a Professor of Psychology at Towson University in Baltimore, MD. She specializes in lifespan development applying existential, positive, trans-personal and body-mind concepts to the question of how we construct satisfying lives with others in our complex and rapidly changing environment. She developed her theory of post-formal thought during her Postdoctoral time at the National Institute on Aging (NIH) and uses it to bring order to the complex understanding necessary to create a satisfying adult lifetime. Based on her ongoing research, she has authored/coauthored over 100 scholarly and applied books and other publications applying her theory to subjects as varied as memory, mindfulness, and re-inventing the university.