Editorial: Coming of Age in Challenging Times Bette Bonder, Charles Christiansen t: Occupational Therapy Journal of Research is 20 years old. As a new editor takes the helm, it is time to reflect on the progress that has occurred in occupational therapy during that time, and to consider what may be needed in the next two decades. The Journal enters adulthood at a time when the profession it serves is at a crossroad. During the final two decades of the 20th century, the occupation- al therapy profession in the United States passed many significant milestones. The number of practitioners grew at a historic rate, spurred in part by societal need and in part by the opening of an unprecedented number of academic programs. Most states enacted legislation controlling practice, and graduate programs at the doc- torallevel emerged. The increased emphasis on graduate education could be interpreted as recognition of the importance of theory and research in ensuring effective practice. However, evidence suggests this is not the case. Consider some observations that seem to support this conclusion. During these two decades, United States' subscriptions to The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research, although increased in absolute numbers, actually decreased as a proportion of the number of therapists in the country. The number of Journal issues per year also declined. Instead, new publications emerged designed to sell advertising space and communicate "practice-related" information in a popular, easy-to-assimilate fashion. In general, these publications are largely devoid of references to theory or underlying research. Perhaps more troubling are decisions by occupational therapy Bette Bonder, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is professor, Department of Health Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, and immediate past editor of The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. Charles Christiansen, EdD, OTR, FAOTA, is dean, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, and founding editor of The Occupational Therapy Journal of Research. Winter 2001, Volume 21, Number 1 3