Cognitive complexity and cognitive-affective integration: Related or separate domains of adult development?

This study used a latent variable approach to describe two broad domains of adult development and their interrelations. One domain was cognitive compl exity, defined by crystallized intelligence, fluid intelligence, and reflec tive cognition: the other domain was cognitive-affective integration, opera tionalized in terms of integrated and defensive coping. It was hypothesized that these 2 domains are related to each other and that they imply differe nt developmental correlates. Structural relations among the latent variable s supported a model in which integrated coping showed positive relations wi th crystallized intelligence and reflective cognition, whereas defensive co ping showed negative relations to these cognitive factors. Age and educatio n were significant predictors of the cognitive complexity factors, whereas evaluations of the climate in one's current family and family of origin wer e related to the factors of cognitive-affective integration.