Many people have contributed to the development of this article-not the least by restraining its excesses. Conversations with Richard Nisbett and Jeffrey Paige were especially helpful. The influence of other members of the social psychology community at Northwestern University working on related problems-especially Ronnie Janoff-Bulman, Christine Dunkel-Schetter, Roxane Silver, and Camille Wortman-will be apparent at many points. Thoughtful responses to earlier drafts were also received from

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Based on the analysis of four models of psychotherapy are proposed. It is argued that a key element in clinical interventions with the elderly is the extent to which the intervention affects the elderly clients' perceived responsibility for the cause of and solution to their presenting complaints. Empirical evidence is reviewed suggesting that psychotherapeutic models that foster enhanced personal responsibility for solutions to problems are beneficial for elderly clients. The dangers of a medical model psychotherapeutic orientation that strips clients' feelings of control are discussed.