Lifespan Development (Developmental Psychology)

Lifespan Development aligns to the topics and objectives of most introductory developmental psychology courses taught across departments. Grounded in foundational theories and scientific research, the text teaches students about core aspects of human development—physical, cognitive, social, emotional—across the lifespan. A primary goal of the book is to incorporate content, scholarship, and activities that explore a variety of perspectives that encourage all students to feel seen and included.

Lifespan Development strives to openly address complex topics with scholarly responsibility and an effort to increase equity and inclusion in the research presented, as well as to foster student engagement in the classroom through relevant examples and applications. Focused on driving meaningful and memorable learning experiences, the narrative places concepts in contexts that give students the means to understand human development and how that knowledge can be applied to and improve their own lives and the lives of others.

Senior Contributing Authors
• Diana Riser, Catawba College
• Rose Spielman, Connecticut State Community College
• David Biek, Middle Georgia State University

Contributing Authors
• Alisa Beyer, Chandler Gilbert Community College
• Bakhtawar Bhadha, Pasadena City College
• Ellen Cotter, Georgia Southwestern State University
• Kathleen Hughes, University of Calgary
• Deepti Karkhanis, Bellevue College
• Kris Kimbler, Florida Gulf Coast University
• Julie Lazzara, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
• Rebecca McDonald, Washington & Jefferson College
• Ronald Mossler, Los Angeles Valley College
• Paula Mullineaux, Hamline University
• Amy Osmon, Daytona State College
• Jason Spiegelman, Community College of Baltimore County
• Erik Uliasz, Wyomissing Area School District / Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
• John Woodman, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Preface

Chapter 1 Lifespan Psychology and Developmental Theories
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 1.1 Psychology and Human Development
• 1.2 Themes of Development
• 1.3 Major Theories and Theorists
• 1.4 Contexts and Settings of Development
• 1.5 Lifespan Development as a Science: Research Methods
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 2 Genetic, Prenatal, and Perinatal Health
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 2.1 Genetics and Environment
• 2.2 Reproductive Systems and Conception
• 2.3 Pregnancy and Prenatal Development
• 2.4 Childbirth and Perinatal Health
• 2.5 The Newborn in Context
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 3 Physical and Cognitive Development in Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 3)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 3.1 Physical Development in Infants and Toddlers
• 3.2 Motor Development in Infants and Toddlers
• 3.3 Sensory Development in Infants and Toddlers
• 3.4 Cognition and Memory in Infants and Toddlers
• 3.5 Language in Infants and Toddlers
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 4 Social and Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 3)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 4.1 Autonomy and Sense of Self in Infants and Toddlers
• 4.2 Temperament and Personality in Infants and Toddlers
• 4.3 Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers
• 4.4 Social Development in Infants and Toddlers
• 4.5 Social Contexts and Influences in Infants and Toddlers
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 5 Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood (Ages 3 to 6)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 5.1 Physical Health and Growth in Early Childhood
• 5.2 Motor Development and Physical Skills in Early Childhood
• 5.3 Cognition in Early Childhood
• 5.4 Language in Early Childhood
• 5.5 Play in Early Childhood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 6 Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood (Ages 3 to 6)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 6.1 Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood
• 6.2 Identity in Context: Gender Development and Racial Identity in Early Childhood
• 6.3 Families as Context in Early Childhood
• 6.4 Social Contexts: Peers, Play, and Friendship in Early Childhood
• 6.5 Media Exposure and Literacy in Early Childhood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 7 Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Childhood (Ages 7 to 12)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 7.1 Physical Development and Health in Middle Childhood
• 7.2 Cognition in Middle Childhood
• 7.3 Intelligence in Middle Childhood
• 7.4 Contexts: School and Learning Diversity in Middle Childhood
• 7.5 Language in Middle Childhood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 8 Social and Emotional Development in Middle Childhood (Ages 7 to 12)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 8.1 Identity, Self-Concept, and Self-Esteem in Middle Childhood
• 8.2 Emotional Development and Socioemotional Learning in Middle Childhood
• 8.3 Social Contexts: Peers, Family, and Media in Middle Childhood
• 8.4 Context: School and Extracurricular Activities in Middle Childhood
• 8.5 Atypical Development and Interventions in Middle Childhood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 9 Physical and Cognitive Development in Adolescence (Ages 12 to 18)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 9.1 Physical Growth and Development in Adolescence
• 9.2 Puberty, Sexual Behavior, and Sexual Health in Adolescence
• 9.3 Cognition in Adolescence
• 9.4 Decision-Making and Risky Behaviors in Adolescence
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 10 Social and Emotional Development in Adolescence (Ages 12 to 18)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 10.1 Theories of Adolescent Socioemotional Development
• 10.2 Emotional and Self-Development in Adolescence
• 10.3 Identity and Culture: Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality in Adolescence
• 10.4 Social Contexts in Adolescence
• 10.5 Family and Community Contexts in Adolescence
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 11 Physical and Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood (Ages 18 to 29)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 11.1 Becoming an Adult
• 11.2 Physical Health and Growth in Early Adulthood
• 11.3 Sexuality in Early Adulthood
• 11.4 Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood
• 11.5 Contexts: Higher Education and Work Achievement in Early Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 12 Social and Emotional Development in Early Adulthood (Ages 18 to 29)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 12.1 The Development of Self in Early Adulthood
• 12.2 Identity Development in Context in Early Adulthood
• 12.3 Relationships with Friends and Family in Early Adulthood
• 12.4 Contexts: School and Work Settings in Early Adulthood
• 12.5 Finding Love, Intimacy, and Romance in Early Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 13 Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood (Ages 30 to 59)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 13.1 Physical Development in Middle Adulthood
• 13.2 Reproductive and Sexual Changes in Middle Adulthood
• 13.3 Cognition in Middle Adulthood
• 13.4 Maintaining Health and Well-Being in Middle Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 14 Social and Emotional Development in Middle Adulthood (Ages 30 to 59)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 14.1 Development of Self, Personality, and Identity in Middle Adulthood
• 14.2 Contexts: Love and Romance in Middle Adulthood
• 14.3 Households and Parenting in Middle Adulthood
• 14.4 Transitions in Caregiving Roles in Middle Adulthood
• 14.5 A Successful Middle Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 15 Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood (Age 60 and Beyond)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 15.1 Physical Aging in Late Adulthood
• 15.2 Health Risks in Late Adulthood
• 15.3 Cognition and Memory in Late Adulthood
• 15.4 Brain Disorders in Late Adulthood
• 15.5 Successful Physical and Cognitive Aging in Late Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 16 Social and Emotional Development in Late Adulthood (Age 60 and Beyond)
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 16.1 The Meaning of Aging in Late Adulthood
• 16.2 Contexts: Family, Friendships, Romantic Relationships, and Social Communities in Late Adulthood
• 16.3 Retirement in Late Adulthood
• 16.4 Living Environments and Aging in Late Adulthood
• 16.5 Successful Social and Emotional Aging in Late Adulthood
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions

Chapter 17 Death, Dying, and Grieving
• What Does Psychology Say?
• 17.1 Biological, Psychological, and Social Aspects of Death and Dying
• 17.2 End-of-Life Care
• 17.3 Coping with Death
• 17.4 Life Review, Successful Life, and a Good Death
• Key Terms
• Summary
• Review Questions
• Check Your Understanding Questions
• Personal Application Questions
• Essay Questions