In this introductory section the conceptual rationale and structure of this book is laid out. First, it seems important to mention that the sequential structure of chapters follows a conceptual logic rather than the chronology of events. Some of the empirical work was conducted before or concurrently with the development of the life-span theory of control (J. Heckhausen & Schulz 1995) and its specification for phenomena of developmental regulation (J. Heckhausen & Schulz 1993a; Schulz & J. Heckhausen 1996). This means that the nine empirical studies presented in Chapters 2, 6, and 7 do not represent empirical tests of the theory in a strict sense. Instead, they serve to illustrate the usefulness and scope of the theory and provide the groundwork for future research. In my report of significant empirical results, I have made an effort to convey the gist of the findings rather than burden the reader with technical and statistical details. Readers interested in a more detailed account of specific studies are referred to the relevant journal publications (see References).

This book is about developmental regulation in adulthood. The regulation of development in the human life course is anything but a trivial matter. The human species is endowed with extensive behavioral flexibility and immense ontogenetic potential.